Tony Bennett’s Daughters Launch Lawsuit Against Their Brother
Musician Tony Bennett’s daughters filed a lawsuit for equitable relief against family members according to court documents dated June 12. Antonia Bennett and Johanna Bennett allege that their brother D’Andrea “Danny” Bennett has failed in his capacity as trustee and did not properly record the late musician’s trust and neglected to keep accurate records of transactions pertaining to the trust. The sisters are petitioning the court to have the trust’s assets be turned over so that they can be reevaluated.
The Lawsuit
But Tony Bennett’s son Danny is not the only person listed in the filing by his daughters. Bennett’s two children have also named two co-respondents to their demand, including their other brother Daegal “Dae” Bennent. The other party the sisters filed against is Susan Benedetto, Tony Bennett’s widow.
Antonia and Johanna believe that the money received from the sale of Tony Bennett’s assets was not accounted for by Danny.
The sisters further allege that Danny “obtained personal benefits” for himself as a direct result of numerous transactions that pertain to Tony Bennett’s trust. These sales allegedly include the trust selling Bennett’s personal property and memorabilia, as well as other assets.
The Daughters
In their filing to the court, Antonia and Johanna state that their brother Danny and his attorneys have intentionally failed to give “full context” concerning the property relegated in Tony Bennett’s trust, even though the two sisters assert that they have rights to full context and proceeds as listed beneficiaries of the trust.
Tony Bennett’s daughters are demanding that all of the items assigned to the trust have a comprehensive inventory performed and that each item be accounted for, particularly if it was sold or transferred. This would require Danny to submit various additional items, including the trust’s tax returns, all receipts, and more so that a full accounting can be established.
Bennett’s Career
Tony Bennett, who died in July of last year, had a storied career in the recording industry that spanned more than seven decades. The musician was nominated for an impressive 42 Grammy Awards, securing 20 wins. His last win was in 2022 for a collaboration with Lady Gaga for the album “Love for Sale,” which won the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Alzheimer’s Disease
It was revealed in 2016 that Tony Bennett was living with Alzheimer’s disease but was still in its early stages. At one point, Bennett’s neurologist credited the late performer’s continuing to compose music as a contributing factor in staving off the progression of the disease.
Danny Bennett
Tony Bennett broke into the music industry in 1951 with his first number one hit, “Because of You,” following the single up with multiple hit albums over the rest of the decade.
After experiencing monumental success throughout the 1960s, Bennett’s career plateaued in the 70s as he struggled with a typecast “Vegas” image, drug problems, and tax issues.
Danny is credited for getting his father’s career back on track as his manager in the 1980s, as well as straightening out his father’s serious IRS problems.
Sources: Rolling Stone, People
