Parents sue daughter amid Haruvi family feud
New York condo dispute: Parents sue daughter over unauthorized sale of their Billionaires’ Row unit, filing a federal case that could reshape family.
Parents have taken their daughter to federal court over a New York City condo on Billionaires’ Row, intensifying a family dispute within the Haruvi clan.
Parents sue daughter over alleged unauthorized sale.
Arthur and Ester Haruvi filed a complaint last week accusing their daughter, Michelle, of trying to sell their two‑bedroom unit at The Sheffield without permission. The filing, lodged in Manhattan federal court, centers on 322 West 57th Street.
The complaint says the parents transferred a 99 percent economic interest in the condo to Michelle in 2012, retaining a 1 percent stake and the right to manage the ownership entity. It alleges that Michelle moved to sell the unit after a “private preview” was announced by the building, which the parents learned of through their other daughter.
Further allegations state Michelle hired an interior‑design firm to stage the apartment, then ordered the firm to delete social‑media photos to keep the listing hidden from her parents. The unit was listed for $2.8 million the week the lawsuit was filed.
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Dispute over rental income and control of accounts
The filing also details a financial disagreement. In 2021, Michelle seized control of the ownership entity’s bank accounts and redirected more than $100,000 in rental income to herself. She is accused of failing to provide financial statements or tax documents.
Arthur and Ester seek a court‑ordered receiver to oversee the property and halt any sale. They argue that a receiver would protect their remaining interest and ensure transparent management of the rental proceeds.
None of the parties have spoken publicly about the litigation, and the filing does not include any comment from Michelle’s legal counsel.
Legal experts note that disputes over ownership interests in high‑value real estate are not uncommon, especially when families hold sizable assets across multiple properties. The case shows how personal disagreements can quickly become complex legal battles when significant sums are at stake.
Bankruptcy filing adds pressure
Complicating the family drama, Simry Realty Corp—an entity linked to the Haruvi family—filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. The filing affects nearly 500 apartments across seven Manhattan buildings and placed a stay on Michelle’s attempts to unwind a 2022 restructuring deal.
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Simry’s assets are estimated between $50 million and $100 million, with liabilities of a similar magnitude. The properties involved include addresses on West 54th, West 75th, and West 74th Streets.
The family attributes the financial strain to a protracted legal battle with Michelle, who claims she was unfairly excluded from the family business. The bankruptcy filing has heightened uncertainty around the Haruvi portfolio as creditors and courts assess the viability of the restructuring plan.
While the lawsuit focuses on a single condo, broader implications may affect the family’s holdings if the court orders a receiver to manage the Sheffield unit and potentially other assets.
For now, the case proceeds amid high‑stakes real estate, family discord, and ongoing bankruptcy proceedings that together shape the future of the Haruvi estate.
