The recent scandal involving the heirs of Doris Duke, once dubbed the 'richest little girl in the world,' has brought the iconic family back into the limelight. A legal dispute over a theft has unfolded, pitting family members against each other in court.
A century-old tale of wealth and controversy continues as Doris Duke's heirs face accusations of theft in a high-stakes family legal battle, Mail Online reported.
Doris Duke, born in 1912, was immediately known as the 'million dollar baby' due to her father's vast wealth from the tobacco industry. At the tender age of 12, Duke inherited $80 million following James Buchanan Duke's death, earning her the title of the 'richest little girl in the world.'
Throughout her life, Duke faced immense public scrutiny and interest. She became known not only for her vast fortune but also for her philanthropic endeavors and a highly intriguing personal life.
She achieved a hidden role as a World War II spy and engaged in several high-profile relationships and marriages. Duke gave birth to a daughter during her first marriage to James Cromwell, but tragedy struck when the baby died just a day after being born prematurely.
In 1966, Duke faced a darker moment when she was involved in a fatal accident that killed her friend, Eduardo Tirella. Although investigators ruled it an accident, lingering suspicions cast a shadow over her lavish yet troubled life.
Duke passed away in 1993 at age 80, leaving the majority of her $1 billion estate to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Her legacy of generosity endures, but familial legal disputes continue to overshadow her story.
Walker Patterson Inman III and his twin sister Georgia now face a legal controversy centered on accusations from their stepfather, Randy Allen Thompson, who alleges they stole his movie manuscripts and book drafts.
The court ordered Inman to pay $2.2 million in damages and compensation for emotional distress, concluding there was credible evidence against him despite his denial of the theft.
This ruling has not gone uncontested. "Obviously we disagree. We will be moving to set it aside," said Justin D. Heideman, a lawyer based in Utah, signaling that the legal confrontations are far from over.
Amid the legal battles, family dynamics have been strained. Walker's mother, Daisha Inman, defended her son passionately, stating, "My son never stole or broke into anywhere," thereby directly challenging the court's findings.
Walker himself commented on the situation, claiming ownership over the disputed items by stating, "This box - it's my life. It became my property," which suggests an emotionally charged dispute over the rightful ownership.
The situation underscores the complex legacy left by Doris Duke, as her heirs navigate both her wealth and the challenges it brings. Despite the passing of decades since Duke's heyday, the drama surrounding her fortune continues to capture public attention, reflecting the ongoing impact of her storied life.
Doris Duke transitioned from being a young heiress to dedicating herself to extensive philanthropic work, and now her legacy involves lawsuits among her heirs, creating a complex narrative of American wealth, tragedy, and ongoing legal drama.
Duke actively managed an immense fortune while navigating personal and public challenges, earning both adoration and controversy. As legal disputes persist, they add new chapters to the Duke family’s storied history, highlighting the enduring challenges and intrigues of managing a vast inheritance and its accompanying responsibilities.
