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Widow Claims Stolen Marilyn Monroe Negatives in Auction Fight

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Shannah Laumeister Stern, the widow of photographer Bert Stern, seeks to halt the auction of 2,500 Marilyn Monroe negatives.
She claims the negatives were stolen by organized crime and disappeared from Stern's apartment.
Laumeister Stern alleges the loan agreement for the negatives is fabricated and has reported the matter to the FBI.
Heritage Auctions maintains they have good title to the items.

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Story summary

Shannah Laumeister Stern, the widow of photographer Bert Stern, seeks to halt the auction of 2,500 Marilyn Monroe negatives.
She claims the negatives were stolen by organized crime and disappeared from Stern's apartment.
Laumeister Stern alleges the loan agreement for the negatives is fabricated and has reported the matter to the FBI.
Heritage Auctions maintains they have good title to the items.