A former companion of Sumner Redstone contended in court documents Monday that his signature on a recent document had been forged and seeks an evaluation of his mental state.
The filing by ex-companion Manuela Herzer — a former girlfriend of Redstone and a caretaker in recent years — contains a declaration from a handwriting expert who asserts Redstone's signature on an agreement allowing Herzer to remove items from his home was likely forged.
It also accuses Redstone's lawyers of misrepresenting the condition of the 92-year-old who controls CBS Corp. and Viacom Inc.
Herzer is also seeking to have Redstone's mental state assessed. Her filing Monday contains a voicemail left by Redstone that her attorneys say shows he is unable to competently make decisions for himself.
Herzer contends Redstone cannot intelligibly speak or focus on visitors, and requires around-the-clock medical care.
Redstone's lawyer Gabrielle Vidal accused Herzer of lying and states in a separate court filing that she witnessed Redstone signing the documents in question.
"Ms. Herzer's lies continue, and her litigation tactics lack merit and basic human decency," Vidal wrote in a statement. "The court was informed of Mr. Redstone's speech impairment by his doctor."
A judge set a hearing for Dec. 21 to consider the merits of Herzer's filing and her contention that the information about Redstone's signature and descriptions of his health warrant an evaluation.
Redstone controls CBS and Viacom through National Amusements Inc., which holds nearly 80 percent of the voting stock in both media companies. He hasn't joined an investor conference call since November 2014.
Herzer had been designated by Redstone until recently to make health care decisions for him but was removed from that role and kicked out of his home in October.
She states in the filing Monday that she is not interested in Redstone's fortune and has already received tens of millions of dollars from him.
Redstone recently underwent a brain scan, which found no signs of stroke or other impairment, his lawyers told a court in a filing last month.
"One side or the other is not telling the truth, and the only way to learn the truth is to secure the witnesses' and Mr. Redstone's testimony under oath and have the court or its representative visit Mr. Redstone," Herzer's latest court filing states.
Redstone earned a combined $24 million in compensation from CBS and Viacom in fiscal 2014. CBS' chief executive is Les Moonves, while Philippe Dauman, Redstone's longtime lawyer, runs Viacom.
Dauman is now Redstone's chosen person to make medical decisions for him, court filings state.
After his death, control of CBS and Viacom will pass to seven trustees that include Dauman, Redstone's daughter Shari Redstone and her son Tyler Korff.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More