Tony Bennett’s legacy continues to stir controversy months after his passing, as his daughters have initiated legal proceedings against their brother, D’Andrea “Danny” Bennett. This lawsuit accuses Danny of unjustly profiting at their expense in contradiction to their father’s intentions, both before and subsequent to the iconic singer’s demise in 2023.
Antonia and Johanna Bennett have filed their complaint in New York, alleging that Danny, who served as both their father’s manager and head of the family trust, abused his authoritative positions for personal financial gain. The lawsuit suggests that Danny had complete and unchecked control over Tony Bennett’s financial decisions, which he allegedly exploited for significant personal benefit.
The sisters argue that Danny took advantage of Tony Bennett’s vulnerable state in his later years, particularly due to his Alzheimer’s disease, to engage in deals that resulted in lucrative outcomes for himself. They highlight the sale of Tony Bennett’s music catalog, as well as his name, likeness, and image rights to Iconoclast, a brand development firm, which occurred shortly before the singer’s death.
This legal action follows a previous lawsuit initiated by the sisters in June, which sought a detailed accounting of their father’s assets, accusing Danny Bennett of mismanaging these assets. The updated lawsuit further claims that Danny breached his fiduciary duty and aims to strip him of his role as head of the family trust.
A representative for Danny Bennett has called the lawsuit unfounded, stating, “This lawsuit is yet another baseless attempt to distort the public and the court’s understanding of Tony Bennett’s clearly stated wishes.” The spokesperson defended Danny’s actions, asserting that he has adhered to their father’s plans with “integrity and care” and expressed disappointment in the sisters’ legal challenge.
In handling Tony Bennett’s affairs, Danny held multiple roles, including that of personal and professional manager, with his powers extending over the Benedetto Arts company and the family trust. The siblings now accuse him of engaging in “self-interested and conflicted transactions” that have compromised the assets intended to be shared equally among Tony Bennett’s four children.
The lawsuit also includes other family members such as brother Daegal “Dae” Bennett and Tony’s widow, Susan Bennett, as defendants. Additionally, it criticizes Danny for distributing “a single modest distribution” to the sisters, which they believe falls short of their rightful share.
Furthermore, Antonia and Johanna Bennett allege that their brother disposed of items of sentimental value in a “malicious and retaliatory manner” following their earlier legal efforts. This includes a promise made to Antonia regarding her father’s piano, which, during a limited tour of his apartment, was allegedly found in a deteriorated state.
This lawsuit advances claims seeking financial damages, to be determined in a forthcoming trial. Tony Bennett, celebrated for his interpretation of timeless American songs and notable creations like “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,” passed away at the age of 96 in 2023. Though no specific cause was given, his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2016 was publicly known.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bennett produced over 70 albums and received numerous accolades, including 19 Grammy Awards and a Grammy lifetime achievement award. “Tony and Danny’s record of unprecedented success speaks for itself,” a defense statement reads, affirming Danny’s ongoing commitment to preserving his father’s enduring memory and artistic legacy.