In August, 17 artists filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against Cadence Comic Art and Paolo Belfiore claiming “egregious misconduct” by the two. They accuse Cadence Comic Art and Belfiore of defrauding the plaintiffs regarding the sale of original art and are owed over $473,000 as well as refusing to return art still in his possession.

Belfiore has responded to the allegations and complaint with a two page document. He’s appearing “pro se” currently, meaning he’s representing himself.

Belfiore asked for an extension to respond in early September saying he needed more time to respond and wasn’t able to contact the plaintiff’s counsel. The plaintiff’s counsel responded not long after that Belfiore had been in contact with them and the reason he gave was he was seeking representation.

• Belfiore doesn’t dispute and admits the allegations 4-24 and 26-27 in the complaint.
• Belfiore says he “lacks sufficient knowledge or information to admit or deny the allegations” in paragraphs 1-3, 25, and 28-79 of the complaint.

That might all sound odd but when you look at the original allegations it’s a bit clearer.

Belfiore admits he has done business with the individuals which is paragraphs 4-24 and that he lives in New York and the court has jurisdiction which is paragraphs 26-27.

All of the other paragraphs are the accusations of fraud, his violating New York State law, and much more.

None of this is an odd response and a basic challenge to the accusations forcing the accusers to continue to pursue the case.