Family Feud: Tony Bennett's Daughters Sue Brother Over Estate Handling

Tony Bennett's daughters Antonia and Johanna Bennett are accusing their brother D'Andrea "Danny" Bennett of mishandling the late singer's assets, according to a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Surrogate's Court. The daughters claim Danny, who managed Tony's career and runs the family trust, benefited personally from various transactions without properly accounting for the proceeds.

In the wake of Tony Bennett's passing on July 21, 2023, a family feud has emerged over the handling of the legendary singer's estate. Tony's daughters, Antonia and Johanna Bennett, have filed a lawsuit against their brother D'Andrea "Danny" Bennett, alleging mismanagement of their father's assets.

At the heart of the dispute is Danny's role as manager of Tony's career and as trustee of the family trust. The lawsuit claims that Danny "obtained personal benefits for himself and his company" from various transactions, including the sale of memorabilia. The daughters also allege that Danny has not adequately accounted for all the proceeds from the sale of Tony's catalog to Iconoclast earlier this year.

Family Feud: Tony Bennett's Daughters Sue Brother Over Estate Handling

Compounding the daughters' concerns, Danny has reportedly provided only "piecemeal information" and limited documentation regarding the financial affairs of Tony's estate. "雖然Danny和他d counsel have provided piecemeal information and produced some documents to petitioners’ counsel, the information provided raises more questions than answers and fails to provide anything close to an accounting of Tony’s assets and financial affairs," the court documents allege.

As a result, Antonia and Johanna are seeking equitable relief, demanding that Danny hand over a comprehensive accounting of the trust, including receipts, disbursements, expenditures, and tax returns. They are also requesting that the court remove Danny as trustee and appoint an independent administrator.

Family Feud: Tony Bennett's Daughters Sue Brother Over Estate Handling

Tony's will, filed in Manhattan Surrogate's Court, reveals that he had an estimated net worth of $200 million. His extensive estate includes real estate, artwork, jewelry, and royalties from his vast catalog of music.

Danny Bennett, who declined to comment on the lawsuit, has been vocal in his defense following Tony's death. He has characterized his father as a "complex man" and has spoken of the difficulties in managing Tony's career in the later stages of his life.

Family Feud: Tony Bennett's Daughters Sue Brother Over Estate Handling

Tony's widow, Susan Benedetto, and his son, Daegal "Dae" Bennett, are also named in the lawsuit. Antonia and Johanna allege that they too have been deprived of information regarding the estate's finances.

The lawsuit has brought to light long-simmering tensions within the Bennett family. Antonia and Johanna have expressed concerns about Danny's handling of their father's affairs for years, but these concerns have now escalated into a legal battle.

Family Feud: Tony Bennett's Daughters Sue Brother Over Estate Handling

The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, but it is clear that the Bennett family is deeply divided over the management of Tony Bennett's estate. The once-close family now faces the prospect of a lengthy and potentially damaging legal battle.

The feud has also cast a shadow over Tony's legacy, which had been marked by his remarkable career and his close relationships with his family and friends. It remains to be seen whether the family can resolve their differences and preserve his memory intact.

Family Feud: Tony Bennett's Daughters Sue Brother Over Estate Handling