Everything that glitters ain’t gold.
Just because your talent granted you fame and fortune, doesn’t mean your personal life will be just as rewarding. Blood may be thicker than water, but money is enough to drive a wedge between celebrities and their parents.
Just ask Kobe Bryant. The basketball phenom is bickering with his mother, Pamela Bryant, over high school memorabilia. Kobe says his mother made a deal with Goldin Auctions to sell some of his athletic gear, which includes his high school jerseys, Lakers gear, trophies, and even letters. Mama Pamela reportedly received a $450,000 advance and claims Kobe gave her the items.
Only time will tell with these two, but we’ve come up with a list of other celebrities who couldn’t get along with their mommy and daddies. Check out the cash cow lawsuits below.
Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin was stuck in the middle of his parents’ bitter divorce that included arguments over who will be in charge of his $17 million fortune. Rather than living life by his parents rules like any other 14-year-old, Culkin sued for emancipation and control of his money. He eventually won the case and since then, his parents have expressed they still remain proud of the child star and hopes he’s surrounded by a supportive team.
Gary Coleman knew what he was talking about when he sued his parents back in 1989 for mismanaging his money. It took four years, but Coleman was awarded $1.3 million and put his relationship with his parents on the back burner. Unfortunately, the money wasn’t enough to grant Coleman financial stability and he later filed for bankruptcy.
The Situation, Mike Sorrentino, had a situation with his pops over a few t-shirts and other items used to mock the Jersey Shore star on http://www.TheConfrontation.com. Sorrentino claims the site was damaging to his career, but dropped the lawsuit when his father vowed to shut it down and end his fuckery. Hopefully the two can move on and create better situations for each other.
Drew Barrymore was an independent woman since the tender age of 15. Barrymore sued her parents for emancipation and won. To celebrate her victory, she moved into her own condo. Barrymore’s lawsuit was reportedly fueled by her desire to be in control of her career. So far, she’s been doing a damn good job.
LeAnn Rimes proved to the world that just because you bring a child into this world, doesn’t mean you can spend their money. A then 17-year-old Rimes sued her father and co-manager for spending $7 million on personal expenses. In 2002, Rimes settled and was awarded an undisclosed amount.
Gossip Girl finest, Leighton Meester, sued her mother for using the $7,500 she sent monthly for her ailing brother’s medical expenses for plastic surgery and weaves. The shocking allegation has caused a strain on the mother-daughter relationship and was amplified when Meester’s mother counter sued for $3 million. Momma Meester allegedly told her daughter to increase the monthly allowance to $10,000 or back to court they go.
While the ink was drying on the many contracts Frank Ocean was blessed to sign, his father was inking legal documents against the Channel Orange singer. Ocean told Twitter users worldwide “Father wanna sue me for a million. Like I owe him back child support. Weak individual bought me a swiss knife at 6yrs old then dipped on me.” It was never revealed why Ocean’s father sought money, but we’re pretty sure he didn’t get squat!
In another twist of events, Olympic gold medalist Tianna Madison was sued by her parents for slander and defamation of character last year. Her parents sought $50,000 because they claim Madison told the world they mismanaged her finances and allowed a man who molested the runner to live with them. Sheesh. Seems like this family need to be in a therapist session – not a courtroom.
Best of luck to them all and rest in peace to Gary Coleman!
