The radio legend died on Friday the 13th in April 2018, but his name is living on. Not just because of an online networks of fans still trading and listening to all of his past shows, but because of a court case–about his past shows!
The subject of all of this is the Dark Matter Radio Network. This was the little network that could that was able to broadcast out Bell’s final program, DARK MATTER, to the masses.
There is an ongoing lawsuit in the state of New Jersey about the final 100 programs that Art Bell did for the network.. It’s Michael Marshalek of Hoboken vs David Rubini of Texas.. The crux of the suit: Rubini claims that Marshalek invested in his online radio venture and then stole Bell’s archives. He aims to get them back..
THE CASE
In court documents, Rubini declares himself the company’s rightful owner, saying he agreed to buy the network with Marshalek’s help. But the deal went south, with Marshalek seizing the company and archives of Bell’s last 100 shows, according to the suit.
Rubini is based in Dallas. But the battle for Bell’s former company will play out inside a courtroom in Hudson County, where Marshalek lives and Rubini is suing him.
Rubini’s demands: the company and its master recordings, plus $5 million in damages. It’s a steep number, but if you ask Rubini, the legal fuss is all about ensuring that Bell’s legacy — in all its mad glory — remains in the right hands.
According to Rubini, the two struck a handshake agreement in March 2020 for Marshalek to buy the service at $80,000 and then sign it over Rubini, who would pay back the loan with no interest. Marshalek would be a silent lender who just wanted Dark Matter to flourish, Rubini says he thought. But his opinions have changed.
The report goes on to say that a lengthly legal battle is about to begin..
More from the report on Marshalek:
In October, Marshalek was arrested at his Garden Street home after allegedly barricading himself inside the apartment with his son. Hudson County’s SWAT team put the neighborhood on lockdown. After four hours, they breached the brownstone and removed the child, according to a police affidavit.
In October, Marshalek was arrested at his Garden Street home after allegedly barricading himself inside the apartment with his son. Hudson County’s SWAT team put the neighborhood on lockdown. After four hours, they breached the brownstone and removed the child, according to a police affidavit.
The incident stemmed from a dispute over whether his disabled son would have to wear a mask at school, Marshalek told the Hudson County View in January. He’s filed a notice of his intent to sue the city for wrongful arrest and property damage, the paper said.
We will continue following this newer story the best we can.. It may play out in a fashion that is not always in the public eye. Perhaps mysterious and reassuring?
DEVELOPING..