More than 40 years ago, Apollonia Kotero met Prince when she auditioned to play his love interest in 1984’s Purple Rain. She landed the part, and he named the character in the semi-autobiographical musical film after her.
Now the actress, whose full name is Patricia Apollonia Kotero, is suing the late singer’s estate, Paisley Park Enterprises, alleging that they are “attempting to steal” her name, according to court documents obtained by People and the Daily Mail.
Kotero, 66, argues that the estate has tried to “claim ownership” of her name and “cancel” her own trademark applications.
If they succeed, the documents say, “it is highly likely Prince’s estate will demand Apollonia cease using her name and, if not, bring a trademark infringement action against her.”
The estate’s actions contradict what Prince — who died of an accidental fentanyl overdose at 57 in 2016 — would have wanted, according to her lawyer, Daniel Cislo.
“Prince himself consented to and encouraged Apollonia in her professional endeavors as ‘Apollonia,’’ Cislo told the court. “He wanted her to be successful as Apollonia.”
Prince left no will, so his estate was split between his siblings and the publishing company Primary Wave.
Contrary to reports, Apollonia has said they never dated, but remained good friends for years.
She last saw him at a party weeks before his death. “When we said goodbye, I told him I loved him, and he told me, ‘I love you too,’” she told People in 2022.
His legacy will always be with her, she added. “I go to a restaurant and Purple Rain comes on or I get in my car and Take Me with U comes on. No matter how much time goes by, he’s everywhere. I see him in everything.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source nationalenquirer.com ’
