There has been a new development in the ongoing drama between late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother, Pamela, and the lawsuit filed against her by Warner’s widow, Tenisha Walker. After hearing Walker’s side of things, Pamela is now breaking her silence.
As we previously reported, “The Cosby Show” star established a trust in 1996 that excluded “adequate” financial support for her and their 9-year-old child. But because Pamela is the successor trustee, Tenisha is now suing for $1.2 million: $1 million in life insurance obligations, $50,542.46 for anniversary payment obligations, $30,500 for a ROTH IRA obligation, and more.
And while Tenisha has described the grief process and the legal battle with Pamela as “painful,” she explained to “Good Morning America” recently that she was only attempting to honor Warner’s intention to provide for their daughter.
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Now, Pamela is speaking out about the lawsuit and pushing back against the narrative that she’s somehow trying to keep money away from her granddaughter. In a new statement shared with PEOPLE, Pamela also said that a settlement had allegedly been reached between her and her granddaughter’s representatives.
“Pamela continues to grieve the sudden loss of her son, Malcolm. She remains focused on protecting his legacy and the well-being of his daughter and family. Recent claims that Pamela sought to prevent her granddaughter from receiving financial support are untrue,” she shared in a statement.
It continued: “Malcolm was thoughtful and deliberate in his estate planning to include all his loved ones. While the trust at issue is in favor of Pamela, his father, and his sister, Malcolm provided for his wife and daughter separate and apart from that trust to the tune of millions of dollars.”
The statement went on to express that Pamela initially tried to handle the matter outside of court, but now that the settlement has been reached, she wants to continue moving forward and building on the relationship she has with her deceased son’s child.
“The agreement provides for Malcolm’s daughter to receive the majority remainder of the Trust and Estate. The Settlement also memorializes that it is in the best interest of Malcolm’s daughter to have a relationship with her grandmother, Pamela,” the statement concluded. “Pamela remains hopeful that all parties will support the resolution and that her granddaughter will receive the full benefit of Malcolm’s legacy without further delay.”
Tenisha has yet to comment publicly on this alleged settlement or on the status of the lawsuit and relationship with her former mother-in-law.
