News | Entertainment
27 Oct 2025 13:21
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Tony Bennett's daughters have accused their brother of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the family trust

    The late singer's children Antonia and Johanna Bennett initially fined a lawsuit against their sibling Danny - who is the sole trustee of The Tony Bennett 1994 Family Trust - last June, almost a year after their famous father's death, over assets they claimed were unaccounted for and have now filed another motion with the court expressing their "serious concerns" about his "mismanagement".


    In a response to Danny's November motion to transfer the petition to surrogate's court or to dismiss it, Antonia and Johanna - who are beneficiaries of the trust along with their brother Dae - wrote in documents obtained by People magazine: "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.

    "Moreover, as publicised 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' filing states they have a right to an accounting of Danny's actions both before and after their father's death as they feel there has been a "lack of transparency" because he was essentially acting without supervision.

    The documents stated: "[Tony] expressed a clear intention and direction in his estate plans that all four of his children be treated equally."

    The legendary crooner's daughters alleged their brother wrote cheques using trust funds "as he saw fit" and he made "multiple gifts to himself" amounting to $200, 700 in 2022. They also alleged he took advances of $50,000 each month on top of his commission as Tony's business manager from as far back as 2021, despite formal arrangements not being made until the following year.

    The filing alleged Danny's company RPM received almost $2.6 million in commissions, while Johanna and Antonia have each only received $245,000 each from the trust.

    The documents stated: "Without more information about Tony's income, it is unclear whether the payments Danny was making to himself exceed what was contractually owed to him.

    "Statements and management agreements provided by Danny indicate that commissions paid to [his company, RPM Productions] appear to have been much higher than they should have been based on Tony's income."

    Tony - who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016 but continued to record and perform until 2021 - created his trust in 1994 with his sons appointed co-trustees. It was amended in 2008, with Danny and Tony himself named co-trustees.

    Dae and Tony's widow, Susan Bendetto, are also named as respondents in the lawsuit, having been accused by Johanna and Antonia of "avoiding accountability for Danny's actions" as they have argued the pair "lack standing" to see an accounting for the period before the singer's passing, and their request to see it from the time after his death is "premature."

    A source close to Danny insisted he only ever worked in the "best interest" of his father.

    The insider said: "Tony and Danny Bennett have worked together for over 40 years, and the record of their successful partnership speaks for itself. 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 honoured and carried out. It is unfortunate and sad that some are choosing to dispute his decisions rather than honouring Tony's legacy."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     25 Oct: Isabelle Tate has died aged 23
     25 Oct: Jim Parsons still has "so many" special memories from his time on The Big Bang Theory
     25 Oct: Ashley Park's on-screen character enjoys some "big moments" in the new season of Emily in Paris
     25 Oct: Bruce Springsteen saved director Scott Cooper's family after the Los Angeles wildfires
     25 Oct: Josh O'Connor got "kicked" out of being an altar boy for "smiling too much"
     25 Oct: Victoria Beckham used to carry a fake designer handbag
     24 Oct: 50 Cent would love to be at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Another accolade for leading equestrian rider Tim Price More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    NZ’s first marine reserve is turning 50 – the lessons from its recovery are invaluable More...



     Today's News

    Motoring:
    Liam Lawson narrowly misses track marshals running across F1 Mexico City Grand Prix track 13:17

    Equestrian:
    Another accolade for leading equestrian rider Tim Price 13:07

    Technology:
    ACCC sues over Microsoft 365 subscription hikes allegedly misleading millions of Australians 12:37

    Dunedin:
    A crash between two cars - one towing a caravan - has blocked State Highway 1 north of Dunedin 12:27

    Motoring:
    F1 Mexico: Lando Norris wins and leads Formula 1 standings, Oscar Piastri fifth in Mexico City Grand Prix 12:07

    Business:
    NZ’s first marine reserve is turning 50 – the lessons from its recovery are invaluable 12:07

    Netball:
    No rush to determine any change in personnel in the Silver Ferns' backroom 11:57

    Cricket:
    Central Stags pace bowler Blair Tickner has been added to the Black Caps squad for the two remaining ODI matches against England 11:07

    Environment:
    An emergency response in the South Island's continuing as more wild weather draws closer 10:47

    Cricket:
    Captain Sophie Devine believes the White Ferns couldn't have prepared any better for the women's One-Day World Cup in India...despite a last game eight-wicket loss to England leaving them 6th in the 8-team standings 10:27


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd