BBC News takes a look at some of the more dramatic feuds that have taken place over the wills and legacies of well-known figures throughout the decades.
In case you might have missed any famous cases, the BBC News recently published a helpful rundown of some of the larger cases in a recent article titled "The who's who of battles for wills, bodies and legacies."
The celebrities discussed include:
- Michael Jackson – His estate has been embroiled with feuds over the validity of his will and the guardianship of his children.
- Leona Helmsley – Her estate included a bizarre battle over how much money she left to her dog.
- Ted Williams – After his death a fight ensued about whether or not his remains should be cryogenically frozen.
- Nelson Mandela – He left behind a fortune that is expected to be the subject of a feud.
- Nina Wang – Once Asia's richest woman, Wang's lover laid claim to her estate. However, the Hong Kong courts decided the fortune should be given to charity.
- Lilane Bettencourt – Although she is still alive, the battle over the L’Oréal heiress' fortune has already reached the French Presidency.
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Reference: BBC News (May 24, 2015) "The who's who of battles for wills, bodies and legacies."