It\u2019s one of the most iconic moments in Purple Rain<\/a>: Apollonia strips down and steps into the waters of Lake Minnetonka, told by Prince<\/a>\u2019s character that she must \u201cpurify herself\u201d before joining his band.<\/p>\n That scene cemented Apollonia Kotero\u2014then a rising actress and singer\u2014as a lasting figure in pop culture. Four decades later, her association with that role has become the center of a legal fight with Prince\u2019s estate.<\/p>\n On August 19, Kotero filed a lawsuit against Paisley Park Enterprises LLC, the entity managing Prince\u2019s business since he died in 2016, according to Billboard<\/a>.<\/p>\n COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n In the complaint, she accuses the estate of trying to \u201csteal\u201d her professional name, Apollonia, through trademark challenges. \u201cThere is only one Apollonia,\u201d her lawyer Daniel Cislo wrote, emphasizing that she has used the name for nearly 40 years across music, acting, and even podcasting.<\/p>\n Kotero argues that Prince himself not only allowed but encouraged her to use the moniker throughout her career. After Purple Rain, she recorded \u201cSex Shooter,\u201d which charted on the Billboard Hot 100, and collaborated with Prince on songs like \u201cTake Me With U\u201d and \u201cManic Monday,\u201d the latter becoming a hit for The Bangles. She also appeared on the TV series Falcon Crest and released a solo album in 1988.<\/p>\n The lawsuit alleges that since Prince\u2019s passing, his heirs have launched \u201can aggressive campaign\u201d to cancel Kotero\u2019s trademarks and claim ownership of the name before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.<\/p>\n The estate reportedly argues that Kotero surrendered rights to \u201cApollonia\u201d when she signed her Purple Rain contract in the 1980s. However, her legal team dismisses that argument as meritless, pointing out that even if such a contract existed, the statute of limitations has long since expired.<\/p>\n Kotero is now asking the court to declare her the rightful owner of the name formally. She says the estate\u2019s actions threaten her livelihood and identity, undoing a legacy that Prince himself supported.<\/p>\n As of this writing, representatives for Prince\u2019s estate have not publicly responded to the lawsuit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Carmell Jones – The Remarkable Carmell Jones LP (Tone Poet Vinyl Series)<\/p>\n Blue Note Records<\/span> Carmell Jones – The Remarkable Carmell Jones LP (Tone Poet Vinyl Series)<\/span> $38.98<\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Geri Allen – Twenty One LP (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series)<\/p>\n Blue Note Records<\/span> Geri Allen – Twenty One LP (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series)<\/span> $35.98<\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Jackie McLean – Action LP (Tone Poet Vinyl Series)<\/p>\n Blue Note Records<\/span> Jackie McLean – Action LP (Tone Poet Vinyl Series)<\/span> $38.98<\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (Music from the Paramount+ Original Series) – Vinyl<\/p>\n Capitol Store<\/span> Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (Music from the Paramount+ Original Series) – Vinyl<\/span> $25.99<\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris’ 50th Birthday Celebration Included ‘Housewives,’ Rappers, & a Red Cake<\/span><\/p>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Ex-Bachelor Star Says Diddy Is \u2018Getting Away With Everything\u2019 and Will \u2018Have More Victims\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Paris Jackson Accuses Attorneys of Skimming Money from Michael Jackson’s Estate<\/span><\/p>\n Dame Dash Accused of Teaming Up With Girlfriend to Hide Assets, Avoid $800,000 Payout in Court Loss<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Klay Thompson Gushes Over Megan Thee Stallion’s Catfish and Spaghetti: ‘Best Thing I’ve Ever Tasted’<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\nRelated Products<\/h3>\n
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