Allegations of exploitation and fraud rock the music industry as legal fights over prominent legacies unfold, from claims of manipulation in property deals to forgery in loan agreements. Investigations and court battles intensify as heirs seek justice and transparency in the aftermath of iconic figures’ deaths.
In August 2023, Robbie Robertson, the guitarist for the Band, passed away shortly after marrying Janet Zuccarini, a Toronto restaurateur. His three adult children—Alexandra, Delphine, and Sebastian Robertson—have now sued Zuccarini in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming she exploited Robertson’s declining health to secure financial benefits.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, primarily revolves around the couple’s 2021 purchase of a Beverly Hills home. Robertson’s children allege that despite Robertson making the entire $1.8 million down payment, Zuccarini is now claiming the right to live there for life while expecting Robertson’s heirs to cover the associated costs. The plaintiffs argue Zuccarini manipulated Robertson, who was on strong medication following a 2022 cancer surgery, into signing documents he could not comprehend. Zuccarini’s lawyer dismissed the claims as “meritless fiction.”
Meanwhile, in a separate legal case, Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis Presley, is embroiled in litigation to prevent the foreclosure of Graceland, Presley’s iconic Memphis mansion. Keough accuses Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC of forging documents to claim her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, used Graceland as collateral for a $3.8 million loan.
A Tennessee judge recently issued a temporary injunction to halt the sale, citing dubious notarization of the documents. Following this, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced an investigation into potential fraud. The FBI may also initiate a criminal probe, given the conflicting claims and Naussany’s withdrawal statement to the Associated Press. Graceland’s management reassured that the property would continue to operate as usual.