Tony Bennett’s daughters, Antonia and Johanna Bennett, have filed a lawsuit against their brother, D’Andrea “Danny” Bennett, accusing him of mishandling their late father’s estate. The legendary singer, known for hits like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” passed away on July 21, 2023, at the age of 96.
Allegations of Mismanagement
The court documents, filed in New York, allege that Danny Bennett, who served as the trustee of Tony Bennett’s estate, failed to disclose several of their father’s assets. The sisters claim Danny did not account for all proceeds from the sale of their father’s music catalog this year.
Additionally, the lawsuit names another brother, Daegal “Dae” Bennett, and Tony’s widow, Susan Benedetto, as parties involved in the disputed transactions.
Lack of Transparency
Antonia and Johanna state in the court filing that they have repeatedly requested detailed information about the estate’s transactions but have only received incomplete and unsatisfactory responses. They assert that it remains unclear what music assets and other property were sold as part of the estate deal.
The filing emphasizes that Danny and his legal counsel have provided piecemeal information, raising more questions than answers regarding the financial dealings and the full inventory of Tony Bennett’s assets.
Claims of Personal Benefits
The sisters further allege that Danny obtained personal benefits from several transactions involving merch sales and memorabilia related to Tony Bennett, the family trust, and Benedetto Arts LLC. They are seeking unspecified equitable relief and a comprehensive accounting of the trust’s inventory.
Family’s Response and Legacy
Tony Bennett, a 20-time Grammy Award winner, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, a fact his family revealed in February 2021. Despite his illness, he continued to perform until his retirement from live singing in mid-2021, as advised by his doctors due to the physical demands of touring.
Danny Bennett, who managed his father’s career for over 40 years, had stated at the time of Tony’s retirement that the decision was challenging but necessary for his health.
The late singer’s estate and Danny’s representatives have yet to comment on the lawsuit.
Tony Bennett’s legacy as a pop, jazz, and big-band music icon continues to endure, even as his family navigates these complex legal challenges. His contributions to music remain celebrated worldwide, and his influence on the industry is indelible.
