5 Shocking Revelations About Prince And Apollonia: The Secret Relationship And The Name Lawsuit

The legacy of Prince and Apollonia Kotero is one of the most iconic, mysterious, and dramatic partnerships in music and film history, a relationship that defined the 1980s with the blockbuster success of Purple Rain. Even decades later, and as of late 2025, their story continues to generate fresh headlines, not just through nostalgic interviews but through a surprising and contentious legal battle.

The latest and most shocking development revolves around a lawsuit filed by Apollonia Kotero herself against the late musician's estate, alleging an attempt to trademark and essentially "steal" her stage name. This new legal drama shines a spotlight back on the true nature of their 33-year bond, which Apollonia describes as a profound, lifelong friendship, even as she insists they were "never in a relationship" in the traditional sense, despite their steamy on-screen chemistry and the intense public fascination.

Apollonia Kotero: Complete Biography and Profile

Patricia Apollonia Kotero, known simply as Apollonia, was thrust into the international spotlight when she was personally chosen by Prince to replace the original lead, Vanity, in the 1984 film Purple Rain. Her life and career have been inextricably linked to the legendary artist ever since.

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• Full Name: Patricia Apollonia Kotero
• Born: August 2, 1959
• Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2025): 66
• Nationality: American
• Occupations: Actress, Singer, Former Model, Talent Manager, Producer
• Key Role: Co-star in the Oscar-winning film Purple Rain (1984)
• Music Group: Lead singer of the trio Apollonia 6, which replaced Vanity 6.
• Notable Singles: "Sex Shooter" (with Apollonia 6), "The Glamorous Life" (written by Prince, recorded by Sheila E.)
• Relationship with Prince: Described by Kotero as a 33-year friendship and creative partnership, though she often refers to herself as Prince's "Cinematic Wife."

The Shocking Lawsuit: Apollonia vs. The Prince Estate

The most current and explosive news surrounding the Prince and Apollonia legacy is the legal action initiated by Apollonia Kotero against Prince's estate, Paisley Park Enterprises.

In a lawsuit filed in August 2025, Kotero—whose legal name is Patricia Apollonia Kotero—alleges that the estate is attempting to claim the rights to her stage name, "Apollonia."

The Estate's Trademark Challenge

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The core of the dispute centers on the estate’s argument that Apollonia is not the "rightful owner" of the name, contending that Prince was the one who created and bestowed the name upon her for the film and the subsequent music group, Apollonia 6.

Kotero counters that she has been using the name commercially since 1984, long before Prince's death in 2016, and that the estate's actions are an "unlawful attempt to steal" her identity.

A Fight for Identity and Legacy

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The case, which was filed in a Los Angeles court, seeks a court order to confirm Kotero's sole ownership of the name for commercial purposes.

This legal battle is not merely about a trademark; it is a profound fight over the ownership of a personal and professional identity forged in the crucible of one of the 80s' biggest cultural phenomena. The phrase "There Is Only One Apollonia" has become a rallying cry for Kotero in this ongoing legal tussle.

Behind the Velvet Rope: The True Nature of Their 33-Year Bond

The intense on-screen passion between Prince's character, "The Kid," and Apollonia in Purple Rain led to decades of speculation about their real-life romance. However, in recent, candid interviews, Apollonia has worked to clarify the unique, complex nature of their connection.

The Casting That Changed Everything

Apollonia's casting was a whirlwind. She met Prince and was cast in the mega-hit film only one week later, taking over the role originally intended for Denise "Vanity" Matthews.

This sudden entry into the Paisley Park orbit instantly transformed her into a global star, leading to the formation of the all-female trio Apollonia 6, which released one album featuring the hit "Sex Shooter."

"Never in a Relationship"

Despite the sizzling chemistry and the public perception of them as a couple, Apollonia has consistently maintained that she and Prince were "never in a relationship" in the traditional, romantic sense.

Instead, she describes their bond as a deep, spiritual, and professional connection that lasted for 33 years, from the moment they met until his untimely death.

She refers to herself as his "Cinematic Wife," acknowledging the powerful, almost marital intensity of their artistic collaboration and friendship.

The Late-Night Calls and Unfinished Plans

Even after their professional paths diverged, the two remained close friends, reportedly staying in touch through frequent late-night calls.

Apollonia has shared that Prince had major plans for her career before his passing in 2016, suggesting their creative partnership was far from over.

Her devastation following his death was profound, describing the experience as a "broken heart" and her life becoming a "vortex of rage and sadness."

The Lasting Cultural Impact of Apollonia 6 and Vanity 6

The music and fashion of the *Purple Rain* era, particularly the all-female groups Prince created, continue to influence pop culture. The story of Apollonia 6 cannot be told without mentioning its predecessor, Vanity 6, led by the late Vanity.

• The Predecessor: Vanity 6 was the original trio, known for their provocative image and the hit "Nasty Girl."
• The Transition: When Vanity left the project just before filming, Prince quickly replaced her with Apollonia, and the group was rebranded as Apollonia 6.
• The Music: Apollonia 6 released their self-titled album in 1984, which included the Prince-penned track "Sex Shooter," a song that became synonymous with the film.
• Reunion Talks: Apollonia has kept the legacy alive through her podcast, Apollonia Studio 6, and has even hosted reunion interviews with the other members of Apollonia 6.

The enduring fascination with Prince and Apollonia is a testament to their unforgettable chemistry and the groundbreaking nature of the *Purple Rain* era. The current legal fight over her name highlights that even from beyond the grave, Prince's influence and the legal complexities of his massive estate continue to shape the lives and careers of those closest to him. Apollonia Kotero's fight is a battle for her identity, a final, dramatic chapter in one of music's most legendary collaborations.