Kevin Zavian, a familiar face on Antiques Roadshow, is facing intense family drama after being accused of stealing $6 million worth of precious jewelry.
However, the 67-year-old appraiser is fighting back, not only denying the accusations but also filing a hefty $165 million lawsuit against his two sisters, Ellen and Robin.
The Allegations and Kevin’s Counterclaim
The sisters, aged 61 and 66, made headlines back in February when they accused Kevin of stealing valuable jewelry from Cluster Jewelry, a store founded by their grandfather and great-uncle.
But Kevin argues that he was simply acting on behalf of their 95-year-old father, Berj, and that the jewelry in question belonged either to him, their father, or William Doyle Auction House, where Berj started a jewelry department in 1974.
Kevin’s lawsuit claims that he has already returned many of the items to the Manhattan jewelry store.
However, he believes his reputation has been severely damaged by his sisters’ accusations, and now, he’s demanding $165 million in damages.
Allegations of Theft by the Sisters
In a twist of events, Kevin and Berj are now accusing Ellen and Robin of “systematically looting” over $1 million worth of diamonds and jewelry from Cluster Jewelry without proper documentation or accounting.
This alleged theft has reportedly caused significant issues for the family business, including the refusal of their landlord to renew their lease in New York City’s prestigious Diamond District.
The lawsuit claims that the sisters have been exploiting their father’s trust.
It asserts that Ellen, a lawyer, tricked Berj into signing over full ownership of Cluster Jewelry to herself and Robin in 2014—despite Berj’s clear wishes that his three children share ownership.
Kevin, unaware of the change, didn’t realize he had been excluded as a co-owner until much later.
The Sisters’ Accusations and Damage to Kevin’s Reputation
Things escalated quickly in February when the sisters accused Kevin of stealing from the family business, even going as far as to claim that Kevin had never been an owner or employee of Cluster Jewelry.
The lawsuit points out that these claims are false, especially given that Ellen had previously signed tax returns listing Kevin as a one-third owner.
Their public statements, spread throughout the Diamond District, have caused substantial harm to Kevin’s reputation, leading to the loss of clients and relationships with industry professionals.
Kevin’s lawsuit describes the situation as a “callous attack” on his professional reputation and a betrayal of family ties.
Shocking Allegations of Violence
In an even more shocking turn, the lawsuit alleges that Robin physically assaulted both Kevin and their father.
Kevin claims that the attack on him was caught on surveillance video, while Robin is also accused of hitting their father, Berj, on the head, causing him pain and distress.
This violent behavior has added another layer of complexity to the legal dispute, with Kevin and Berj expressing deep moral outrage at their sisters’ actions.
A Family Legacy in Jeopardy
At the heart of the lawsuit is the claim that Ellen and Robin are attempting to destroy the family business and tarnish Berj’s legacy, especially at a time when the elderly man deserves peace and respect in his final years.
The lawsuit paints a picture of a father deeply hurt by his daughters’ betrayal, with Kevin and Berj seeking to protect their family’s name and business from further harm.
What’s at Stake for Kevin and Berj
The father-son duo is seeking a court order to prevent further defamatory statements from Ellen and Robin.
They also want the court to officially recognize Kevin as a one-third owner of Cluster Jewelry and compel the sisters to retract their previous statements.
Additionally, they are requesting $165 million in damages, which includes both compensation for emotional distress and the destruction of their family’s legacy.
As the legal battle unfolds, Kevin and Berj’s fight is not just about money—it’s about preserving their family name and business against what they see as a betrayal by those closest to them.