The competency of Sumner Redstone, who owns a controlling interest in both Viacom and CBS, is being questioned as an ex-girlfriend files an application in probate court to have him declared incompetent.
There is considerable disagreement on whether the ex-girlfriend of 92-year-old Sumner Redstone is after his money or out to help her long-time companion through tough times. And, it depends on who you believe but what is known is Herzer was Sumner Redstone’s girlfriend for 16 years. She was given authority in his advanced healthcare directive and handled many of his affairs.
However, last spring she and another of Herzer’s girlfriends posed for Vanity Fair showing off the homes and lavish lifestyle that Redstone provided for them. Not too long after that article appeared one of Redstone’s attorneys expelled Herzer from Redstone’s home and informed her that she no longer had any authority over his care. Recently, Herzer responded to this by filing an application in court claiming that Redstone is incompetent and seeking to have herself reinstated as his caretaker.
The Los Angeles Times has more on this story in “Billionaire Sumner Redstone unable to make decisions, says lawsuit by ex-girlfriend.”
As Redstone owns a controlling interest in both CBS and Viacom it is a certainty that this case will be closely watched in the media.
Reference: Los Angeles Times (Nov. 25, 2015) “Billionaire Sumner Redstone unable to make decisions, says lawsuit by ex-girlfriend.”
