DeNiro demands return of father's paintings

Robert DeNiro is threatening an art gallery in Rome, Italy, with "legal action" after it allegedly took a number of the actor's father's paintings from a New York arthouse to settle a $5m (€6.9m) debt.

Twelve paintings by abstract expressionist Robert DeNiro Sr. were given to the Benucci S.r.l. by Salander-O'Reilly Galleries in New York as part of an agreement to pay off the million-dollar deficit, according to TMZ.com.

But the actor was unaware of the deal and is demanding the return of the masterpieces, because he is the rightful owner.

However, a representative for DeNiro Jr. refused to specify exactly what "legal action" the actor plans to take.