‘Wicked’ widow of French Elvis Johnny Hallyday pockets assets of up to €34 million after a two-year battle with his older children who were written out of the 73-year-old’s will – but she’s also inherited his €30 million debt
The singer’s eldest children decided to contest his will, which left his entire estate to Laeticia, excluding his son David Hallyday and Laura Smet. The will was drafted in the U.S., where Hallyday was living with Laeticia and their two adopted daughters, and did not comply with French law, where children have automatic succession rights.
A grudging legal battle ensued, with Laeticia provoking further outrage last year by announcing plans to have the singer exhumed and placed in her family vault — a move that saw her branded the “wicked stepmother” by French magazines.
However, Laeticia’s lawyers announce on July 3rd, that a “definitive agreement” had been reached between Hallyday and her late husband’s children.
Laura Smet received a settlement of €2.4 million in exchange for renouncing any further legal action and recognizing the American will, which excluded her and David. David, said he did not want any money, but instead was granted the “moral rights” to his father’s musical estate, meaning he will oversee how his musical legacy is used from now on.
It appears that Laeticia won the battle, however, she inherited Johnny’s tax debts, which are estimated to be around €30 million.
It appears that all parties involved are finally ready to “move on.”
See Clair Toureille, ‘Wicked’ widow of French Elvis Johnny Hallyday pockets assets of up to €34 million after a two-year battle with his older children who were written out of the 73-year-old’s will – but she’s also inherited his €30 million debt, Daily Mail (UK), July 6, 2020.
Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.