
Alvarez/News
Robert De Niro will testify in the trial of Leigh Morse, who allegedly bilked the actor's father out of $77,000 from the sale of two of the painter's works.Robert DeNiro's star turn on the witness stand is scheduled for Friday.
The actor will testify in the sensational Manhattan theft trial of an upper East Side gallery director accused of ripping off millions from clients - including $77,000 from the sale of two paintings by DeNiro's late father.
Leigh Morse, who worked for convicted dealer to the stars Lawrence Salander for years, is charged with grand larceny.
Salander pleaded guilty last year to stealing $120 million worth of art from foundations and rich clients, including hedge-fund bigs and tennis legend John McEnroe.
Salander, who claimed booze drove him to thievery, is serving a six-year prison term. Because he copped a plea, none of his victims were forced to testify.
But Morse's accusers - including DeNiro - will take the oath.
"You will hear from Robert DeNiro himself that the estate was never paid for those sales," Assistant District Attorney Kenn Kern told the jury in opening arguments earlier this month.
Morse, 54, maintains she's innocent and was set up by her out-of-control former boss. She faces up to four years behind bars if convicted.
Prosecutors say she schemed with Salander to steal from four foundations and DeNiro's dad by selling art consigned without telling the owners they had sold.
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