Stone’s suit claims his former manager Gerald Goldstein and several companies in Los Angeles kept 20 years of royalty payments and manipulated the singer’s work and rights to earn as much as $80 million in assets. He also says in the suit that he was receiving payments of some sort from Goldstein until 2007, but they abruptly stopped.
“Some of these artists are being robbed of their intellectual property and the fruits of their genius by unscrupulous people who prey on their trusting nature and lack of business and legal knowledge,” Stone’s attorney Robert J. Allan wrote in a statement.
The lawsuit claims nearly 20 causes of action against Goldstein and other defendants, including allegations of fraud, breach of contract, unjust enrichment and breach of fiduciary duty.
The legal action claims Goldstein along with his longtime companion Claire Levine and attorney Glenn Stone set up several companies to divert royalty payments and borrow against Stone’s work.
Stone’s hits include “Dance to the Music,” ”Everyday People” and “Family Affair.”
The lawsuit, seeking full accounting of royalties due to Stone, offered an inside look into the living legend’s life since the height of his career. It revealed tax troubles, drug addiction and living in poverty. Stone rarely made public apearances since his popularity dwindled, and has been notorious for erratic behavior. He made an odd appearance at the 2006 Grammys where he wore a lame’ suit, appeared hunched over and his performance lasted only a few brief moments.
I smell a biopic — it would be a quick way to make a few extra dollars. –gerald radford
