Book Deal Stirs New Trouble for Getty Trust

The J. Paul Getty Trust, in Los Angeles, may again find itself embroiled in controversy as details of a 2004 book deal between two of the organization’s former leaders raise questions of self-dealing and conflict of interest, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Former chief executive officer Barry Munitz, who resigned in February amid allegations of misdoings, had promised David Gardner, retired board chairman, almost $300,000 in 2004 to write a coffee-table book on the Getty Trust’s history.

The deal was canceled in March 2006 after Mr. Munitz’s resignation, although by then Mr. Gardner had already received over half the promised amount, despite having made very little headway on the book. The article also says Mr. Gardner played a key role in helping Mr. Munitz secure a five-year contract from the board.

Mr. Gardner and Mr. Munitz said the book deal and Mr. Munitz’s contract agreement were not connected.