By Parrot Newspaper 
Battle Over Gene Hackman’s $80M Fortune Looms Amid Shocking Will Revelation
A fierce legal battle may be on the horizon following the revelation of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman’s will, which appears to leave his $80 million fortune solely to his late wife, Betsy Arakawa, with no mention of his three children from his previous marriage.
The Oscar-winning actor, known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, passed away at 95, just a month before his wife, Betsy, 65. According to the will, Betsy was designated as the successor trustee to Hackman’s trust, meaning she was the primary beneficiary of his vast wealth. However, questions have now arisen regarding the inheritance status of his three children—Christopher Allen, 65, Leslie Anne, 58, and Elizabeth Jean, 62—who were born from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.
A Brewing Legal Storm?
Legal experts suggest that the omission of Hackman’s children from his will could lead to a courtroom showdown. Reports indicate that Hackman had been estranged from his children for years, but it remains uncertain whether they were completely excluded from his estate planning.
“If he had passed away first and Betsy had survived, it would have been World War III,” a legal analyst told Daily Mail. “His kids would have probably gone crazy over the inheritance.”
Now that both Hackman and Betsy are deceased, the fate of the fortune rests on the conditions outlined in Betsy’s will. It has been revealed that she instructed her assets to be transferred into a trust that would benefit charitable organizations and cover medical expenses. If Hackman’s wealth was fully transferred to Betsy before her passing, it’s possible that his children may not receive anything from his estate.
Hackman’s Battle with Alzheimer’s
Adding another layer to the inheritance saga is the revelation that Hackman suffered from Alzheimer’s, though the exact timeline of his diagnosis remains unclear. Reports indicate that the most recent version of his will was signed on June 7, 2005, leaving room for speculation about whether he was of sound mind when finalizing his estate plan.
If his children decide to challenge the will, they may argue that their father lacked the mental capacity to make clear legal decisions at the time. However, proving such a claim could be an uphill battle, especially if Betsy legally assumed control of his assets before her death.
What Happens Next?
With an $80 million fortune on the line, the coming months could see Hackman’s family embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute. If his children file a claim, they would likely have to prove that Hackman either intended to provide for them or that he was unduly influenced when drafting his will.
Hollywood has seen its fair share of inheritance battles, from Prince’s multi-million-dollar estate dispute to Robin Williams’ family feud over his assets. If Hackman’s children decide to fight for a share of their father’s legacy, this case could become one of the most talked-about legal battles in showbiz history.
For now, the fate of Hackman’s wealth remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this saga is far from over.