Lawsuit Alleges Abuse of N.Y. Philanthropist

The grandson of the famed philanthropist Brooke Astor filed court papers last week charging that his father is withholding money and proper medical care from Ms. Astor, reports the Associated Press.

Phillip Marshall claims that his father pays himself $2.3-million yearly as Ms. Astor’s caretaker and “has turned a blind eye to her, intentionally and repeatedly ignoring her health, safety, personal, and household needs.” The court papers request that guardianship of Ms. Astor, 104, be transferred to Annette de la Renta, wife of the designer Oscar de la Renta.

Responding to the allegations, Ms. Astor’s son, Anthony Marshall, said: “I don’t think I should comment. It is a matter that is going to be coming up in a court of law and it should be left to the court.”