Tony Bennett’s Daughters Accuse Brother of Financial Misconduct in Lawsuit

Tony Bennett’s Daughters Accuse Brother of Financial Misconduct in Lawsuit

Tony Bennett’s daughters, Antonia and Johanna, have initiated a new lawsuit in New York, alleging that their brother, Danny, abused his authority and breached fiduciary duties. The court documents, obtained by Fox News Digital, present serious accusations against Danny, claiming he engaged in unlawful conduct for financial advantage.

Claims of Unchecked Control

The lawsuit outlines how Danny exerted complete control over his father’s financial affairs both prior to and following his death. Antonia and Johanna allege that Danny’s various roles, including personal manager and trustee of the family trust, allowed him to exploit his position for his own significant financial gain.

Management Roles and Allegations

As the personal and professional manager of Tony Bennett, Danny held extensive power of attorney, which enabled him to manage not only his father’s career but also the family’s financial interests through Benedetto Arts. The lawsuit states that he entered into lucrative commercial arrangements that benefitted his for-profit company, RPM Productions. These actions, according to the suit, represent a significant conflict of interest.

Financial Gains through Conflicted Transactions

Antonia and Johanna assert that Danny took advantage of his authority to enrich himself through various self-interested transactions. He allegedly charged excessive commissions and even made substantial loans and gifts to himself and his children. This conduct resulted in significant financial losses to both Tony’s assets and the family trust.

Diverting Assets and Impairing Trust

The daughters allege that Danny diverted substantial assets to himself and his family, particularly before Tony’s passing, which diminished both the singer’s wealth and that of the family trust. They argue that Danny’s actions amounted to a misuse of his fiduciary position, profiting personally at the expense of other beneficiaries of the trust.

Controversial Sale of Rights

Significantly, the lawsuit claims that Danny orchestrated the sale of nearly all rights related to Tony’s name, image, and music royalty stream to Ignite Music Fund. This transaction reportedly earned him millions in commissions, and it is asserted that he continues to profit from these dealings, including the sale of memorabilia associated with his father.

Previous Lawsuits and Ongoing Disputes

This lawsuit follows a previous legal action filed by the sisters last summer. In that suit, they claimed Danny mismanaged the assets of the late singer, including not providing an accountable report for the proceeds from the sale of Tony’s music catalog to Iconoclast. They expressed concerns about the lack of transparency regarding what assets were included in that deal.

Demand for Accountability

Antonia and Johanna stated they have repeatedly requested details about the financial transactions, only to be met with vague information from Danny. They highlight that the limited data provided has raised more questions than it has answered, failing to offer a comprehensive accounting of Tony’s financial dealings.

Tony Bennett’s Legacy

Tony Bennett, an iconic figure in music, passed away at the age of 96 on July 21, 2023, as announced on his Instagram page. His death highlighted his enduring legacy, as the family shared emotional tributes reflecting on his final moments. The sisters’ legal action adds a layer of complexity to the remembrance of a celebrated career that spanned decades.

Calls for Comment and Expert Perspectives

Representatives for Danny Bennett did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. The situation continues to unfold as public interest grows regarding the allegations made by Antonia and Johanna. Experts in entertainment law have noted the potential implications of such disputes on the management of estates and the legacy of artists.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing legal battle raises questions about accountability and ethical practices within family-managed estates. As the daughters seek justice, the public remains attentive to how this high-profile case will ultimately impact the legacy of one of music’s most treasured icons. It emphasizes the importance of transparent management in the affairs of beloved figures, particularly as their legacies are passed down to the next generation.

Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.