Following the death of legendary musician Tony Bennett, his children have been involved in controversy. Antonia and Johanna Bennett have accused their brother, Danny Bennet, of allegedly mismanaging Tony Bennett's funds. Danny is the sole trustee of the Tonny Bennet family trust created by the singer in 1994.
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The sisters, whose father died in July 2023, have been embroiled in a legal battle with Danny since June 2024. According to the New York Post, after Danny submitted a motion to transfer the case to a surrogate's court or to be dismissed, Antonia and Johanna Bennett filed a motion to reject Danny's request on January 3. The filings and court documents were obtained by the Post.
"Danny acted in multiple, conflicting fiduciary capacities for an extended period prior to Tony's death and took (for himself and his children) significant funds from the Family Trust," the Bennett sisters allege. "Moreover, as publicized by Danny to various media outlets, at some point prior to Tony's death, Tony entered a phase of diminished capacity, which means Tony was no longer able to act as co-Trustee, leaving Danny to serve as sole Trustee of the Family Trust with no oversight"
The sisters allege that Danny Bennett is acting unsupervised. Moreover, they say that there is a "lack of transparency" regarding Danny's alleged mismanaging of their father's funds. According to them, they are entitled to have a full account of their brother's handling of the trust's money.
"[Tony] expressed a clear intention and direction in his estate plans that all four of his children be treated equally," the sisters said.
Gifts
Most importantly, the Bennett sisters allege that Danny issued payments to himself "as he saw fit." These amount to $270,000 in gifts in 2022. Moreover, they allege that Danny sold Tony Bennett's assets to Iconoclast, claiming that the singer was "in financial trouble." However, the sisters claim that their father "still had millions of dollars," according to financial records.
Danny Bennett also issued commissions to his own company, RPM Productions, of up to $2.6 million, according to the sisters. They, however, have only received short of a quarter of a million dollars, each.
An insider close to Danny spoke with the New York Post. The insider said that it is "unfortunate and sad" that the sisters are disputing Danny's handling of the trust's funds. Furthermore, the insider says that they are choosing to dishonor the legacy of Tony Bennett.
"Tony and Danny Bennett have worked together for over 40 years, and the record of their successful partnership speaks for itself," the insider said. "Tony thoughtfully planned his estate to reflect his wishes and generously provided for his loved ones. Danny has always acted in Tony's best interest and has worked diligently to ensure his father's plans were honored and carried out."
