Tamir Sapir, who recently sold the Duke Semans Mansion on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street for $44 million, four million than he had bought it for, is reportedly suffering from a "deteriorating mental condition" called aphasia, according to an article by Joey yesterday at ny.curbed.com.

The article noted that Mr. Sapir "is being sued for $130 million by GSO Re Onshore, a fund controlled by the Blackstone Group, over an unpaid loan used to develop the William Beaver House" in the Financial District. The case, the article said, has "featured salacious accusations, including conspiratorial shenanigans by a Sapir attorney and partner."

"Sapir's defense," the article said, "for why he amended the loan and made such big personal guarantees that helped the debt spiral out of control is simple: He was tricked! How did one of the richest men in the world get duped at his own game? That's where things get really weird. According to Sapir's attorney, Stephen Meister, the billionaire has been suffering from a 'deteriorating mental condition' called aphasia. This has left him unable to do little more than smile and sign his name - since 1998. This shocking revelation came during the most recent court date earlier this month, the transcript of which was posted online on August 19. On page 20 of the 26-page document, Meister asks the court to seal his statement, which is denied by the judge. After a brief recess requested by Meister so that he can contact his client, he tells all."

"Has one of the most powerful figures in New York City real estate really been only capable of signing his name for over a decade? And if so, how was it kept a secret for so long? Because it had to be, according to Meister, who tells the court that word leaking out about Sapir's condition will cause lenders acting in a 'predatory manner' to swoop in and damage the company."

In the court papers, Mr. Meister said he met with Tamir Sapir and that he was "incomprehensible in speaking to me." "He was unable to formulate sentences that I could comprehend. The words just were not understandable. This isn't a Russian/English thing, he has been here for many, many years and spoke English very well for many years....I could not understand the man and I didn't know exactly what he understood, because the only communication I was able to have with him was him smiling at me and nodding his head when I said things. I don't know how deep his understanding was....I was faced with a severe dilemma, because Mr. Sapir owns many other properties on which there are other very, very substantial debts. I was concerned, and am concerned, that other lenders may act in a predatory manner and try to accelerate due dates and whatnot based on information which is now in a public record...."