In 1997 Italian clothing designer, Gianni Versace, was shot dead the steps of his South Beach mansion in Miami, Florida.
The gunman, who was wanted for four other murders was Andrew Cunanan.
Cunanan killed himself nine days after he murdered Versace.
Private investigator Frank Monte, of Sydney Australia, has written a new book about the death of the famed designer, which may never see the light of day.
Monte is being sued after alleging in his book that Versace had made shady deals with the Mafia and that the designer’s own brother, Santo and sister, Donatella Versace were involved in the designer’s murder.
The Versace family are hoping to suppress the book “The Spying Game” in which Monte has made the allegations.
Gianni’s brother Santo Versace was in Federal Court in Sydney on Monday. He is expected to give evidence against Monte in the case.
Monte alleges in his book that he was hired to protect Gianni Versace and worked for the fashion giant from 1996 to 1997. He claims that Versace himself confided in him about the Versace family’s involvement with the Mafia.
The book was withdrawn just a few days before it was set for release in June after the Versace family threatened to take legal action.
Gianni Versace’s designs had enormous appeal among film and music industry stars. He was often referred to as the rock-and-roll designer whose male clients included George Michael, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Michael Jackson. Versace also made clothes for Princess Diana, Caroline of Monaco and other world famous women. He was shot twice in the head by Cunanan on July 15, 1997.
