A former live-in companion of Sumner Redstone can proceed with allegations in her cross-complaint that focus on a nurse for the 94-year-old billionaire, who she alleges secretly taped her private conversations in exchange for money from the media mogul’s daughter.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert Hess ruled there were enough details in Sydney Holland’s claims against Jeremy Jagiello for invasion of privacy and breach of contract.
“If you have taping in California, you clearly better well have consent,” Hess said.
In her action filed last Dec. 12, Holland alleges Shari Redstone directed a network of spies, including Jagiello, in an attempt to oust the plaintiff and another of her father’s former live-in companions, Manuela Herzer, from his mansion in 2015 so his daughter could take control of his media empire.
“Jagiello used his position … as Redstone’s trusted nurse and medical caregiver to invade Holland’s private discussions and activities regarding her own family, sexual, financial and privileged matters without her permission,” according to Holland’s attorneys’ court papers.
Jagiello signed a confidentiality agreement that barred him from disclosing secret information he obtained while working for Redstone without permission, according to Holland’s lawyers.
Both Holland and Herzer were present for Thursday’s hearing.
Sumner Redstone sued both women last Oct. 25. The suit seeks to reclaim $150 million in gifts he had given them and alleges both women manipulated and emotionally abused Redstone to get what they wanted, including jewelry, designer clothing, real estate and cash.
Holland, 45, dated Redstone for five years. In her cross-complaint against Redstone’s daughter, Holland alleges the latter violated her privacy and induced a breach of contract because the media mogul had previously agreed to provide financial support to Holland and her daughter for the rest of their lives.
Both Herzer and Holland question whether Redstone is in control of the lawsuit. He was executive chairman of both Viacom and CBS Corp. until stepping down in February 2016.
–City News Service