The children of The Band’s legendary guitarist Robbie Robertson have initiated a lawsuit against his widow, Janet Zuccarini, accusing her of financial elder abuse to manipulate her way into inheriting part of his estate. This legal action, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, includes Robertson’s three children—Alexandra, Delphine, and Sebastian Robertson as well as the trustees of his estate and trust, Adriane Hibbert and David Jackel.
Allegations of Coercion and Financial Abuse
The lawsuit alleges that Zuccarini coerced Robertson into signing documents that were “oppressive, abusive, and contrary to his expressly stated intentions” during the final stages of his life when his health and mental capacity were declining. Key to the dispute is a $6 million Beverly Hills mansion, previously owned by David Geffen, which Robertson and Zuccarini purchased together in 2021. Despite the supposed equal partnership, the lawsuit claims Robertson covered the entire $1.8 million down payment on his own
Questionable Prenuptial Agreement and Secret Marriage
The complaint also details that in early 2023, as Robertson’s health was deteriorating due to a return of cancer, Zuccarini and Robertson secretly eloped. Soon after, she allegedly had him sign a prenuptial agreement. The children argue that Robertson was not in a fit mental state to comprehend the documents he was signing, which the suit describes as a strategic move by Zuccarini to secure financial benefits from a “sick and dying man”
Claims of Financial Elder Abuse
Robertson’s children accuse Zuccarini of manipulating their father into extensive financial commitments, including spending over $175,000 on renovations and furnishings for the Beverly Hills home. They claim these actions constitute financial elder abuse and tortious interference with inheritance. Following Robertson’s death in August 2023, Zuccarini purportedly insisted that the estate and trust cover half of her living expenses indefinitely, a demand that the children argue would deplete the estate’s resources.
Defensive Statements and Legal Battles
In response to these allegations, Gabrielle A. Vidal, Zuccarini’s attorney, has labeled the lawsuit as “meritless fiction” and accused Robertson’s children of trying to undermine their father’s clear intentions for his widow. Vidal contends that the legal action is a manipulative attempt to strip Zuccarini of her rightful share of the estate.
The case brings to light significant questions regarding the rights and protections of elderly individuals in managing their estates and the potential for manipulation by those close to them. As this legal battle unfolds, it highlights the complex interplay between familial relationships, legal obligations, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
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