On Wednesday, a Californian judge thwarted the intents of Sumner Redstone's daughter to join the media mogul's lawsuit. The lawsuit filed challenges the 92 - year old billionaire's mental competency.
According to LA Times, Sumner Redstone's granddaughter, Keryn Redstone, requested to be part of the trial set in May 6. The 34 - year old is trying to get on the opposite side of the lawsuit.
However, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David J. Cowan said, "The court does not believe ... that her being a party truly adds anything to this case," killing her hopes in getting involved in such legal dispute for her grandfather. Further, they added that "Like a lot of families, every family has its own history and this court case is not going to be about the Redstone family history."
Yahoo wrote that even though Keryn Redstone's effort are now thwarted, she previously argued in court papers that Sumner Redford had become a prisoner in his own home. This claim roots from the situation that Sumner's former girlfriend, Manuela Herzer, was ejected from his mansion last October. But, Herzer sued him and sought to be reinstated to the mansion as designated healthcare agent. Due to that, Keryn Redstone asked to be added to the case as co-petitioner.
Moreover, Reuters reported that on the same day, Herzer withdrew her request for a neurologist she has hired to conduct examinations of Sumner Redstone. The move came after the lawyers of Redstone said that they cannot call their own neurological expert as a witness in the case.
Redstone's lawyers are keen on battling the lawsuit as they argue that he was fully aware of his action when he removed Herzer from the mansion. Herzer argued that he lacked the mental capacity to make that kind of decision. Both sides of the lawsuit are trying to find a settlement but so far, there is no agreement reached. The case will then proceed to trial on May 6.
