Latest news with #legalwar
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Wendy Williams drops bombshell on guardianship as lawyer vows to sue over 'incarceration' and 'misdiagnosis'
Wendy Williams just gave a major update on her controversial guardianship—and it sounds like a legal war is brewing. The former daytime TV queen, who made a rare public appearance to celebrate her 61st birthday on Saturday, has been living at a luxury assisted living facility in New York after she was placed under court-ordered guardianship in 2022. The legal arrangement handed control of her personal and financial affairs to a court-appointed guardian after her bank, Wells Fargo, flagged concerns over her mental health and possible financial exploitation. In 2023, Williams was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia—conditions that further fueled questions about her ability to manage her own life. But Wendy has made it clear she wants out, claiming she's not incapacitated and is being controlled against her will. On Wednesday, she and powerhouse attorney Joe Tacopina were spotted outside Scott's restaurant in NYC, where they confirmed a lawsuit is coming. 'Those responsible for her status, her, basically, incarceration, will be held accountable,' Tacopina told TMZ. 'There's no question about that.' He didn't hold back, adding: 'This guardian process is scary. She was misdiagnosed.' 'What's next is hopefully justice,' Tacopina continued. 'This process has been so long, it's really despicably slow.' Then, gesturing toward Wendy, he added, 'This is Wendy, the same Wendy, we've had conversation over six months, she's the same Wendy Williams that you know from TV. She belongs in a facility like I belong in a facility.' 'She is a person in control of her faculties and is a great human being… and it sickens me… this isn't a case for me, it's a cause…' Wendy jumped in with a laugh, saying, 'I just had a birthday and I'm still in a guardianship. If that doesn't say enough, I don't know what does.' Tacopina wrapped it up with a clear mission: 'My goal for now and the priority is to get her back home.' He added, 'Wherever home is… where she can come and go as she pleases.' Wendy was placed under the guardianship of Sabrina Morrissey in 2022—and in a bombshell court filing last November, Morrissey claimed Williams was 'permanently incapacitated' due to her dementia battle. In March, Wendy made a bold move by retaining a new legal team to fight for her freedom and challenge the court-ordered arrangement. The star hired Tacopina - who recently represented A$AP Rocky - to help secure her freedom from her three-year conservatorship. Since then, a #FreeWendy movement has gained momentum. In a dramatic moment caught on camera in early April, Williams was seen banging on her facility window while supporters rallied in the street below, demanding she be released.
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie drop bombshell on how long their bitter vineyard war could last in court
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie 's bitter vineyard battle is officially headed to trial next year — and both sides are bracing for a lengthy fight. The warring exes will soon come face to face in court after a judge tossed Jolie's attempt to dismiss Pitt's lawsuit over Château Miraval, the sprawling French estate where they tied the knot in 2014. The property, known for its award-winning rosé, has become ground zero in the stars' years-long legal war. Jolie, 49, tried to shut down Pitt's claims that she sold her stake in the estate behind his back — despite what he says was a verbal agreement to hold onto their 50-50 split. But now that her motion's been denied, the case is moving full speed ahead. Pitt expects the jury trial to last about 15 days, while Jolie believes it will take over two weeks, according to court documents obtained by UsWeekly. The trial date hasn't been locked in yet, and several key motions are still on the table. Pitt called the case 'complex,' citing international parties and multiple cross-claims involved in the tangled dispute, per the court documents. has not received a response to its request for comment from reps for both Pitt and Jolie. A source close to the actor told 'This is a straightforward business dispute, but unfortunately, the other side has consistently introduced personal elements which have exposed the weaknesses in their case and complicated and lengthened the proceedings.' The Maleficent star will have 30 days to appeal the judge's decision in filings at Los Angeles Superior Court last week. Pitt filed the $67million lawsuit against Jolie in 2022, less than a year after the shares were sold, setting off a protracted court battle between the exes. But Judge Martin's decision to dismiss Jolie's final three claims against Pitt has put him firmly back in the driving seat ahead of a trial next year. This latest court ruling represents another pre-trial victory for Pitt, adding to his momentum in the ongoing legal battle. Jolie faces potential damages claims if she does not undo the deal she made with Yuri Shefler regarding the sale of her Miraval stake. With her frustration over Pitt being awarded joint custody of their children in 2021, the dispute appears to have turned highly personal for the pair, going beyond the original business matter. Jolie has also been accused of trying to drive a wedge between her estranged husband and their six kids in the aftermath of their split. Pitt's team claims she believes her deal with Shefler was 'justified' due to the NDA her ex-husband asked her to sign. She was dealt another blow earlier this year after the court ruled she must produce every NDA that she signed with a third-party over an eight-year period from 2014 - the year they married - to 2022. NDAs have become a key battleground in the dispute over Chateau Miraval after Jolie claims she backed out of their agreement because Pitt asked her to sign one as part of their business deal. She claims that it was an 'unconscionable' attempt by her ex-partner to 'control her' after their split in April 2019, with his lawyers asking LA Superior Court to unwind the sale because of their agreement to not sell to a third party. But Pitts attorneys have argued that Jolie's NDA objection was really just a cover story which she cooked-up to 'rationalize' her betrayal of Pitt by deciding to sell her stake behind his back. The Fight Club star's attorneys also claim that Jolie herself 'weaponized' NDAs, and asked for Pitt to sign a broader NDA just six months later as part of their divorce settlement talks. Pitt's legal team asked in previous filings that she come clean about NDAs she entered into with third parties including staff. At the time Paul Murphy, one of Jolie's attorneys, told that the judge's order also opens the window for the actress to demand documents related to Pitt's alleged abuses. 'We are more than happy to turn them over and we are gratified that the Court acknowledged that the only potential relevance is to the unconscionability of Mr. Pitt's conduct, a now confirmed key issue in this case,' he said. He continued: 'The judge's ruling completely opens the door to discovery on all issues related to Pitt's abuse. We welcome that transparency in all parties' discovery responses, including Mr. Pitt's. A source close to Brad, however, said Jolie's decision to use the NDA as a strategy 'has backfired spectacularly.' 'Her defense has been exposed as a house of cards, and she will now have to provide details of all the NDAs she demanded of third parties. 'There is no question that this is a huge setback for her. There's a long way to go, but in the context of the case so far, this is a hugely important and far-reaching ruling which will be problematic for her defense,' the source added. Pitt has landed several legal victories in the battle for the winery including a key judgement in Luxembourg which handed him back control of the award-winning vineyard pending further hearings.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Freddy Brazier enjoys relaxing pamper day amid family feud after defying dad Jeff by posting clip with nan Jackiey despite 'weed smoking' row
Freddy Brazier shared a glimpse of his relaxing pamper day on Instagram on Wednesday, after being embroiled in his family's legal war. The 20-year-old had defied his dad Jeff by sharing a new TikTok on Tuesday which included a picture of his nan Jackiey Budden. In a string of snaps and videos on Instagram Stories, Freddy revealed he treated himself to an early-morning sunbed. After the session, he then headed to the salon for a pedicure, and posted a clip of the treatment on social media. Earlier this week Freddy defied his dad Jeff Brazier by sharing a new TikTok which included a picture of his nan Jackiey Budden amid the family's legal war. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The picture was from the day Freddy and Jackiey were spotted smoking suspicious cigarettes after their recent reconciliation, despite his dad Jeff's war to block contact. He has reportedly been living with his grandmother for the past week and clearly shares a close bond with her. Freddy was seen puffing with his gran, 68, in front of tourists near Tower Bridge in South London this week, after the Mail On Sunday revealed Freddy had been living with his maternal grandmother for a week. He cut a casual figure in a burgundy top and beige shorts while Jackie wore her own joggers rolled up to her knees and sported bandages on her hands, with onlookers telling The Sun that she was 'acting erratically'. They told the publication: 'The pair were puffing away in the open, in full view of tourists passing by and there was an aromatic smell in the air. It didn't seem to be normal tobacco they were smoking'. Meanwhile Jackiey said: 'As long as Freddy smokes with me he's safe. At least I know what he's smoking as it's nasty out there.' Now Freddie on Tuesday has returned to TikTok with Jackiey in a slideshow video captioned: 'Why don't we fall in love.' He uploaded a series of individual images against the backing track to Amerie's song of the same name. The picture was from the day Freddy and Jackiey were spotted smoking suspicious cigarettes after their recent reconciliation, despite his dad Jeff's war to block contact Snaps included ones showing him lying on the grass with a dog and playing football. Freddy previously took to his TikTok with a video of himself and Jackiey performing a trend as they danced alongside a female pal to a song which shockingly used the N word. The lyrics said: 'She's my n****r for a reason, I can tell her for a reason, because I know that she'll keep them and nothing will come between us'. MailOnline have contacted Bobby and Jackiey's reps for comment. Freddy lost his mother Jade when he was just four years old after she died from cervical cancer in 2009, and has since been raised by his dad Jeff. Jackiey and Jeff have clashed multiple times over the years, and it was revealed last month the TV star is taking action in an attempt to legally block contact between his son and his grandmother, 'to keep him safe'. Mail On Sunday revealed that Freddy, who was restricted from seeing Jackiey by his dad after he filed court paperwork, spent last week at her home in Bermondsey, after reuniting despite his father's efforts to keep his son away. Family friends say the duo remain 'extremely close,' explaining: 'Jeff was never going to keep Freddy away from his Nanny for very long – they've always had a strong bond 'Jeff may hate her for all sorts of reasons going back many years, but Freddy loves her very much. 'They had a great time together, playing with her dog and catching up at her flat – where he has often stayed over the years. 'Whatever Jeff hoped to achieve with his legal efforts, it hasn't worked.' The Sun On Sunday also reported that Jeff now has a court date for his legal battle with Jackiey. It has sparked a vicious war of words between the pair, with furious Jackiey saying she knew nothing about his legal bid before it was leaked to a newspaper – and insisting that Freddy, who is now 20, is old enough to make his own decisions. And sitting down with The Mail afterwards, she raged: 'I could ruin him if I wanted to. I just need to make sense of it all. I only found out about this court business when he told the newspapers about it – he didn't even tell me himself. 'He's never liked Freddy being with me. He says it's because I smoke and give him drugs. Listen, Fred was fully involved when he was with his dad. I'm talking about drugs; that boy had his first bit of weed at fourteen. 'He never took a puff at my house until he was 16. I smoke with him, but he was safe with me because I knew what he was smoking; it was in my house. 'There have been issues for a few years ago Jeff has been trying to stop Freddy from seeing me, but he's 20 years old now and he has to be allowed to make his own decisions and do what he wants to do for himself. 'He used to lie to Jeff about where he was, but about a year and a half ago I asked 'Does your Dad know you're here?' and he just replied Yes,' and said he was sick of lying about it.' But this weekend Freddy returned to his grandmother's home, in a move likely to infuriate Jeff who has long disliked Jackiey's close relationship with late Big Brother star Jade's sons. Freddy and his older brother Bobby remained close to the 67-year-old after their mother's tragic death from cancer in 2009, aged just 27. The family feud was highlighted again in 2023 when Jeff insisted Jackiey should not attend the BBC Strictly Come Dancing studios where Bobby was competing. Her notable absent came after a period of estrangement, but she and Bobby later reconciled. It's understood the young EastEnders actor was heartbroken to be caught in the middle of the disagreement between his father and grandmother – telling friends the feud was 'extremely hurtful'.
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Freddy Brazier defies dad Jeff Brazier by posting new TikTok with nan Jackiey after family legal action and 'weed smoking' row
Freddy Brazier defied his dad Jeff Brazier by sharing a newTikTok on Tuesday which included a picture of his nan Jackiey Budden amid the family's legal war. The picture was from the day Freddy and Jackiey were spotted smoking suspicious cigarettes after their recent reconciliation, despite his dad Jeff's war to block contact. The 20-year-old has reportedly been living with his grandmother for the past week and clearly shares a close bond with her. Freddy was seen puffing with his gran, 68, in front of tourists near Tower Bridge in South London, after Mail On Sunday revealed Freddy had been living with his maternal grandmother for a week. He cut a casual figure in a burgundy top and beige shorts while Jackie wore her own joggers rolled up to her knees and sported bandages on her hands, with onlookers telling The Sun that she was 'acting erratically'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Freddy Brazier defied his dad Jeff Brazier by posting a new TikTok on Tuesday which included a picture of his nan Jackiey after legal action and 'weed smoking' row amid dad Jeff's legal war to keep the pair apart They told the publication: 'The pair were puffing away in the open, in full view of tourists passing by and there was an aromatic smell in the air. It didn't seem to be normal tobacco they were smoking'. Meanwhile Jackiey said: 'As long as Freddy smokes with me he's safe. At least I know what he's smoking as it's nasty out there.' Freddy then took to his TikTok with a video of himself and Jackiey performing a trend as they danced alongside a female pal to a song which shockingly used the N word. The lyrics said: 'She's my n****r for a reason, I can tell her for a reason, because I know that she'll keep them and nothing will come between us'. MailOnline have contacted Bobby and Jackiey's reps for comment. Freddy lost his mother Jade when he was just four years old after she died from cervical cancer in 2009, and has since been raised by his dad Jeff. Jackiey and Jeff have clashed multiple times over the years, and it was revealed last month the TV star is taking action in an attempt to legally block contact between his son and his grandmother, 'to keep him safe'. Mail On Sunday revealed that Freddy, who was restricted from seeing Jackiey by his dad after he filed court paperwork, spent last week at her home in Bermondsey, after reuniting despite his father's efforts to keep his son away. Family friends say the duo remain 'extremely close,' explaining: 'Jeff was never going to keep Freddy away from his Nanny for very long – they've always had a strong bond 'Jeff may hate her for all sorts of reasons going back many years, but Freddy loves her very much. 'They had a great time together, playing with her dog and catching up at her flat – where he has often stayed over the years. 'Whatever Jeff hoped to achieve with his legal efforts, it hasn't worked.' The Sun On Sunday also reported that Jeff now has a court date for his legal battle with Jackiey. It has sparked a vicious war of words between the pair, with furious Jackiey saying she knew nothing about his legal bid before it was leaked to a newspaper – and insisting that Freddy, who is now 20, is old enough to make his own decisions. And sitting down with The Mail afterwards, she raged: 'I could ruin him if I wanted to. I just need to make sense of it all. I only found out about this court business when he told the newspapers about it – he didn't even tell me himself. 'He's never liked Freddy being with me. He says it's because I smoke and give him drugs. Listen, Fred was fully involved when he was with his dad. I'm talking about drugs; that boy had his first bit of weed at fourteen. 'He never took a puff at my house until he was 16. I smoke with him, but he was safe with me because I knew what he was smoking; it was in my house. 'There have been issues for a few years ago Jeff has been trying to stop Freddy from seeing me, but he's 20 years old now and he has to be allowed to make his own decisions and do what he wants to do for himself. 'He used to lie to Jeff about where he was, but about a year and a half ago I asked 'Does your Dad know you're here?' and he just replied Yes,' and said he was sick of lying about it.' But this weekend Freddy returned to his grandmother's home, in a move likely to infuriate Jeff who has long disliked Jackiey's close relationship with late Big Brother star Jade's sons. Freddy and his older brother Bobby remained close to the 67-year-old after their mother's tragic death from cancer in 2009, aged just 27. The family feud was highlighted again in 2023 when Jeff insisted Jackiey should not attend the BBC Strictly Come Dancing studios where Bobby was competing. Her notable absent came after a period of estrangement, but she and Bobby later reconciled. It's understood the young EastEnders actor was heartbroken to be caught in the middle of the disagreement between his father and grandmother – telling friends the feud was 'extremely hurtful'.
