Celebrity News June 16, 2008
Helmsley's Pup in Doghouse
The late hotel magnate Leona Helmsley left her Maltese pup, Trouble, a monster $12 million trust fund when she died last August, but a Manhattan judge has just reduced Trouble's fortune, says the New York Post. The judge ordered that $10 million of Trouble's trust fund be donated to Helmsley's charity foundation.
Helmsley, aka the "Queen of Mean," was not as generous with her grandchildren; Craig Panzirer, 40, and Meegan Panzirer Wesolko, 37, who were written out of Leona's will which said "for reasons which are known," but the judge signed off on a deal to pay the late billionaire's disinherited grandkids $6 million. Craig received a tax-free $4 million bequest and Meegan was granted $2 million.
As for Trouble, Leona asked in her will that either her brother or grandson take care of the pooch, but both passed on taking care of the ill-tempered Maltese. Trouble is now living in Florida with Carl Lekic, the general manager of the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel. "Two million dollars would be enough to pay for Trouble's maintenance and welfare at the highest standards of care for more than 10 years," Lekic said.
