Apollonia is escalating her legal fight with the Prince estate—and this time, she’s anchoring her argument in a final, personal interaction with the late icon himself.
In a new declaration filed in federal court, and obtained by VIBE, the singer and actress says Prince was “adamant” just two months before his death that she continue using the name Apollonia professionally.
According to the filing, the conversation took place on Feb. 28, 2016, backstage after Prince’s Piano and a Microphone concert in Oakland. Apollonia says fellow Apollonia 6 member Susan Moonsie was present during the exchange.
“During our conversations that evening, Prince was adamant that we continue with our ventures such as musical performances, merchandising, and audiovisual projects,” Apollonia wrote, adding that he specifically wanted both women to keep using the Apollonia and Apollonia 6 names so they could “earn a living, stay creative, and be financially secure in our later years.”
The declaration is part of Apollonia’s effort to block the Prince estate’s attempt to dismiss her lawsuit, which she first filed in August. At the heart of the dispute is who owns the rights to the name “Apollonia,” which she has used for decades across music, acting, touring, and other ventures.
Apollonia, born Patricia Kotero, argues that Prince never trademarked the name during his lifetime—and that Paisley Park Enterprises overstepped when it assumed control of the Apollonia trademark last June and moved to cancel her existing registrations at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
“The truth is none of this litigation would have occurred if Prince were still alive,” she wrote. “He would be appalled by the unbecoming conduct of the estate and its efforts to override" what she describes as his clear wishes.
Following the film’s release, she toured internationally, scored a Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Sex Shooter,” co-wrote the Bangles’ “Manic Monday” with Prince, and appeared on his song “Take Me With U.” She later starred on Falcon Crest and released a self-titled album in 1988—all under the Apollonia name.
The Prince estate has maintained that it is simply protecting Prince’s legacy and assets. In prior filings, it has argued that it never threatened to sue Apollonia and that trademark ownership should be resolved by the trademark office, not the courts.
Apollonia counters that the estate’s actions jeopardize her livelihood and identity, particularly as Prince-related stage productions and branding continue to expand.
A hearing on the estate’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for February 13.