Doria Slote Becker

Doria Slote Becker was an American socialite and philanthropist known for her prominent marriages within elite circles of New York City and her subsequent involvement in high-profile legal disputes concerning inheritance. Her life intersected with notable figures in real estate development, philanthropy, and publishing, placing her at the center of several publicized controversies. Becker's later years were marked by protracted litigation over the estate of her third husband, Sotheby's chairman Alfred Taubman.

Early life and education

Doria Slote was born around 1948 in New York City. She was raised in a Jewish family, with her father, Harold Slote, working as a prominent Manhattan real estate developer involved with properties like the Hotel des Artistes. She attended the Dalton School, an exclusive private institution on the Upper East Side. Slote later pursued higher education at Sarah Lawrence College, a liberal arts college in Bronxville known for its arts-focused curriculum. Her upbringing within affluent New York society provided early connections to the city's cultural and business elites.

Career

While not holding a conventional career, Becker was a fixture in New York City philanthropic and social scenes. She served on the board of the New York City Ballet, supporting one of the nation's premier dance companies. Her social prominence was significantly elevated through her marriages, which linked her to substantial wealth and influence in sectors like publishing, film production, and auction house management. Becker was also known as a dedicated art collector, with interests that paralleled those of her spouses in the worlds of impressionist and modern art.

Personal life

Doria Slote was married three times to influential men. Her first marriage was to investigative author and journalist Edward Jay Epstein in 1975; they divorced in 1978 without children. In 1988, she married film producer and philanthropist Sidney Kimmel, founder of Sidney Kimmel Entertainment; they divorced a decade later in 1998. Her most prominent union was in 2000 to shopping mall magnate and former chairman of Sotheby's, Alfred Taubman. This marriage lasted until his death in 2015 and connected her to one of America's largest private fortunes. Becker had two children, a son and a daughter, from relationships prior to her marriage to Taubman. She resided primarily in Manhattan and Palm Beach.

Legacy

Becker's legacy is intrinsically tied to the philanthropic channels associated with the Taubman name. Following her marriage to Alfred Taubman, she became involved with the Taubman Institute and other charitable endeavors he supported, including significant donations to the University of Michigan and the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Her life story is often cited as an example of the complex intersections between high society, vast wealth, and the probate court system in contemporary America. The very public battles over her inheritance claims kept the Taubman family's affairs in the spotlight of outlets like The New York Times and Forbes.

Controversies and legal issues

The most defining controversies of Becker's life emerged from the settlement and subsequent litigation over the multi-billion dollar estate of Alfred Taubman. Shortly after Taubman's death in 2015, Becker entered into a settlement agreement with his estate, represented by executors including his son, Robert Taubman, chairman of Taubman Centers. She later alleged in New York Surrogate's Court that she was misled and coerced into the agreement, claiming she was denied her full elective share under Michigan law. The protracted legal battle, which also played out in Michigan Circuit Court, involved accusations of forgery and fraud. These proceedings were closely followed by media such as The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News, highlighting the intense familial discord over one of the largest fortunes in the United States.

Category:American socialites Category:1948 births Category:2024 deaths Category:People from New York City