If the name Amy Winehouse doesn’t ring a bell, here’s a hint. Have you seen that Amazon Alexa commercial with a grandfather whose asks Alexa to play the song “Valerie” when his grandson arrives? Yes? That’s Amy Winehouse. (No? Check out the commercial here.) She was a wonderfully gifted and equally tormented singer who passed away eight years ago.
Now, Blake Fielder-Civil—the man who admitted that he started Amy on heroin—is asking for a lump sum payout plus a monthly allowance.
Fox News’ recent article, “Amy Winehouse’s ex files $1 million claim on late singer’s estate,” reports that one family member was quoted as saying, “To say that it would be inappropriate for him to benefit from her estate would be an understatement.”
Amy Winehouse died at aged 27 of alcohol poisoning in 2011. She didn’t leave a will, and her after-tax assets of $3.64 million went to her parents. Since her death, the value of her estate is thought to have grown considerably from song royalties.
Fielder-Civil has told Amy’s family his legal counsel believes that he has a valid claim, because he was with her for six years when she released some of her best-selling material. The two were married for two years and split in July 2009.
Amy gave Blake a $309,000 payoff, but attorneys say the details of that settlement will be critical in Fielder-Civil’s legal claim. If it was designated as a “clean-break,” then he has no real argument for demanding more money. However, if it didn’t, he may have a case.
Fielder-Civil, the inspiration for the late Grammy winner’s heartbreaking hit single “Back to Black,” was in prison from July 2008 to February 2009.
Amy’s parents created the Amy Winehouse Foundation to help young musicians and people with addiction problems. The family inked a deal to make a biopic about her life. The proceeds will go to the foundation.
Amy’s friends and family are upset that any successful claim by Fielder-Civil could take money from the charity.
Reference: Fox News (July 28, 2019) “Amy Winehouse’s ex files $1 million claim on late singer’s estate”