Brian Wilson's team files petition for conservatorship after death of his wife
Feb 17, 2024
Los Angeles [US], February 17 : American musician Brian Wilson's business manager LeeAnn Hard and his longtime manager and publicist Jean Sievers have filed a petition to become the Beach Boys frontman's conservators, managing his personal and medical decisions, the Hollywood Reporter reported citing the Associated Press.
Wilson is receiving medicine for dementia and has a major neurocognitive disorder, according to paperwork filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday.
The Associated Press added that these documents include a doctor's declaration.
Wilson's counsel claimed in the appeal that Wilson has been unable to take care of himself since the death of his wife Melinda Ledbetter, who had been seeing to his everyday requirements.
"Wilson is unable to properly provide for his own needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter," the petition stated.
Hard and Sievers, the filing stated, "have had a close relationship with Mr and Mrs Wilson for many years, and Mr Wilson trusts them."
In a joint statement from Hard and Sievers shared with The Hollywood Reporter, they said, "We appreciate the overwhelming outpouring of love and support for Brian. While Brian is diagnosed with early stages of dementia and mourns the loss of his beloved wife Melinda, he is physically healthy leads a full life and is currently working on projects. As his co-conservators, we will ensure that all of Brian's daily living needs are satisfied and he continues to lead an active life."
On Thursday, the Wilson family explained the move on social media, as per the Hollywood Reporter.
"Following the passing of Brian's beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian's doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian's co-conservators of the person."
It continued, "This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who has been in place for many years helping take care of the family. Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses."
Wilson was closely supervised by contentious psychologist Eugene Landy several years ago. The singer's life and career were eventually taken over by the psychologist, even though Landy provided treatment to the musician during his drug misuse struggles. In the end, Wilson's family stepped in, and Landy was cut off from communicating with Wilson.