Fashion designer Georgina Chapman, co-founder of the luxury brand Marchesa and former wife of Harvey Weinstein, is currently facing significant legal and financial challenges. These include a foreclosure complaint on her West Village apartment in New York City and multiple lawsuits targeting her business interests.
Court filings reveal that Chapman and her brother, Edward Chapman, who serves as Marchesa’s CEO, defaulted on a $2.5 million mortgage. This mortgage was secured against their two-bedroom Manhattan condominium. The legal actions highlight a complex period for the designer and her fashion label.
Key Takeaways
- Georgina Chapman and her brother face foreclosure on a $2.5 million West Village apartment mortgage.
- Marchesa is being sued for over $1.4 million in unpaid rent and utilities, leading to eviction proceedings.
- A third lawsuit alleges Marchesa breached a $300,000 merchant cash advance agreement.
- The fashion brand's prominence has declined since 2017, with co-founder Keren Craig departing in 2019.
West Village Apartment Faces Foreclosure
A foreclosure complaint filed earlier this year details the financial difficulties surrounding Chapman's West Village apartment. The lawsuit claims that Chapman and her brother, Edward, ceased making payments on the $2.5 million loan in November 2024. Monthly installments for this mortgage exceeded $9,000.
The suit seeks the full principal amount, along with accrued interest, late fees, and legal costs. This totals the original $2.5 million sum plus additional charges. The property in question was purchased by Georgina Chapman in 2009 for $1.7 million in an all-cash transaction. Public records indicate the property was refinanced twice in recent years, including a 2022 refinancing with Edward Chapman.
Property Details
- Purchase Year: 2009
- Original Price: $1.7 million (all-cash)
- Mortgage Default: $2.5 million
- Monthly Payments: Over $9,000
- Default Date: November 2024
In addition to the mortgage issues, the building’s condo board has filed a separate lawsuit against the Chapmans. This suit seeks more than $7,000 in unpaid common charges. These legal actions collectively paint a picture of mounting financial pressure.
Marchesa Faces Eviction and Unpaid Rent Claims
The challenges extend beyond Chapman's personal property to her fashion empire, Marchesa. In September, GFP Real Estate initiated a lawsuit against Marchesa, seeking more than $1.4 million. This amount covers unpaid rent and utilities for the space Marchesa occupied at 80 Eighth Avenue.
Marchesa had leased both the 17th and fourth floors of the building. The company surrendered the 17th-floor space in September. GFP Real Estate is now pursuing eviction from the remaining fourth floor and seeking to recover damages. Marchesa has since relocated its operations to a new suite on West 26th Street.
"The legal actions highlight a complex period for the designer and her fashion label, Marchesa, indicating significant financial and operational hurdles."
Merchant Cash Advance Dispute
A third lawsuit, filed by Fiji West Funding LLC in Kings County Supreme Court, adds another layer to Marchesa's legal troubles. This lawsuit alleges that Marchesa and the Chapmans accepted approximately $300,000 in merchant cash advance funding. However, in June 2025, they reportedly instructed their bank to halt payments, thereby breaching the repayment agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Marchesa was expected to repay $500,000 in receivables. The agreement also granted the lender access to their corporate bank account, including passwords and security answers, to collect daily installments.
Marchesa's History
Founded in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and designer Keren Craig, Marchesa quickly became known for its elaborate gowns. These creations were frequently seen on Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, Sandra Bullock, and Katy Perry. The brand's prominence grew significantly during its early years.
Brand's Decline and Personal Life
Marchesa's public profile has waned in recent years. This decline began around 2017, coinciding with the multiple sexual assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein, Georgina Chapman's then-husband. These allegations sparked the #MeToo movement. Chapman separated from Weinstein in 2017, and their divorce was finalized in 2021.
Reports indicate Chapman received a confidential settlement ranging between $15 million and $20 million from the divorce. Despite this, the brand's trajectory continued downwards. Co-founder Keren Craig departed the company in 2019.
In March, reports emerged about a growing number of customer complaints regarding undelivered refunds from Marchesa. One customer expressed frustration on the Better Business Bureau website, stating, "I have emailed them and called more than a dozen times with NO RESPONSE!"
Current Living Situation
Georgina Chapman's current primary residence is not clear from public records. While she is connected to a Midtown unit, she is not listed as an owner there. She spends time at Stone Barn Castle, a historic estate in upstate New York, which is owned by her partner, actor Adrien Brody.
According to an interview, the castle is home to Chapman's two children, her ailing mother, and a diverse collection of animals. Brody described the household as including "four cats, two donkeys, three horses and a small white dog named Ziggy." The estate also features an art studio.
Timeline of Events
- 2004: Marchesa founded by Chapman and Keren Craig.
- 2007: Chapman marries Harvey Weinstein.
- 2009: Chapman purchases West Village condo for $1.7 million.
- 2017: Chapman separates from Weinstein following allegations.
- 2019: Keren Craig leaves Marchesa.
- 2021: Divorce from Weinstein finalized.
- 2022: West Village condo refinanced with Edward Chapman.
- November 2024: Alleged mortgage default on West Village condo.
- September 2025: GFP Real Estate sues Marchesa for unpaid rent.
- June 2025: Alleged breach of merchant cash advance agreement.
- November 13, 2025: Court appearance set for Fiji West Funding lawsuit.
Harvey Weinstein's own real estate portfolio was dismantled after his conviction. This included the sale of a $25 million West Village townhouse, a $10 million Hamptons home, and a $16 million Connecticut estate. Chapman, however, has largely remained out of the public spotlight regarding her own property sales.
Chapman has not publicly responded to any of the ongoing lawsuits. It remains unclear whether the missed payments are due to an inability to pay or represent a strategic delay in legal proceedings. The foreclosure case is still pending in New York Supreme Court. A court appearance for the Fiji West Funding lawsuit is scheduled for November 13, 2025.
