Hollywood Super Agent Spencer Baumgarten's Family At War Over His Massive Estate
By Afouda Bamidele on February 1, 2024 at 5:00 AM EST
Hollywood legend Spencer Baumgarten's children are fighting for rights to his estate and accusing his ex-girlfriend and caretaker of elder abuse.
According to newly obtained court documents by The Blast, the late manager's daughters — Jayne Isabelle, Bayley Kathleen, and Kate Elisabeth, are suing his ex-girlfriend and caretaker for securing a portion of his estate and stock in his business a few days before he died.
Baumgarten's Kids Slam Ex-Girlfriend With Allegations Of Elder Abuse
In the lawsuit, Jayne and her sisters, Bayley and Kate, claim they are supposed to get money from a trust their dad made signed in 2019. They claim his ex-girlfriend, Kimberly Boyd, a Canadian citizen, tricked their father into giving her a lot of the money in the days leading up to his death.
The sisters are suing Boyd for fraud and financial abuse, saying it is illegal the way she was able to obtain residence in their father's four-bedroom house and over $1.3 million. They are using a law called the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act to pursue the case.
They also say Boyd should not inherit anything from the Trust because of what she did. While acknowledging that Boyd, who was taking care of the deceased, had a duty to look after his basic needs, the Baumgarten sisters claim that she abused her position of trust to access his financial accounts.
She allegedly transferred money meant for the Trust and Spencer's daughters to herself. The lawsuit aims to hold Boyd accountable for exploiting the deceased and taking advantage of the Hollywood star while he was in a vulnerable state.
The family claims an amendment was made to the trust was docu signed just THREE Days before his death, granting Boyd the right to live in Spencer's home at the Trust's expense and receive $200,000 upon vacating.
Additionally, a purported stock assignment to Boyd upon his death, made while he was "incapacitated and unconscious," would allow for a transfer of at least $160,000 in royalty payments due to Boyd's benefit unless the court intervenes.
Shockingly, a picture was taken by his family just days before his death that clearly shows him in no position to sign important legal documents. We're told it will be used as evidence in this case.
Jayne, Bayley, and Kate believe Boyd's actions were "reckless, oppressive, fraudulent, and malicious." As a result, they are seeking punitive damages as a remedy.
Also, the family says a criminal investigation is underway after they reported transfers of money to Boyd's accounts to the LAPD.
Fans' Tributes Poured In For Spencer & His Legacy After His Demise
R.I.P. longtime agent Spencer Baumgarten, who passed away at his home on Monday night due to complications from leukemia. His clients over the years included Jon Favreau & Gore Verbinski, & he also worked on John Woo's team. He was only 62. My condolences to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/D8yzYbTbpn
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) May 9, 2023
Known for advocating for clients like Gore Verbinski, Heather McGowan, Rodrigo Bernardo, Jon Favreau, and Steve Conrad, he was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over three decades. He began his career in 1988 working with Joe Rosenberg before moving on to Endeavor, CAA, and ICM.
In 2016, he joined ICM Partners and departed in September 2019 as Motion Picture Co-Head and Partner to establish SMB Entertainment, a management and production company. His contributions at ICM included working with clients like John Woo, actress Jingchu Zhang, Roberto Orci, and filmmaker Joseph Kahn.
According to Deadline, Spencer is survived by his partner Boyd, former spouse Lara — the Assistant Chief Counsel - Lead at the Walt Disney Company, his three daughters, and siblings — Joel, Bobby, and Marna.
Soon after his death, his family requested donations be made to the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, where Spencer appreciated Dr. Forman and the staff for their care.
He is said to have passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 9, 2023, with the reported cause of death being complications from leukemia (AML). Following the news of his death, fans of his work shared their tributes online. One person wrote:
"Spencer possessed a faultless work ethic and always gave the very, very best of his abilities to his clients. He was a colourful character, full of energy and enthusiasm, and not one to easily own up to sadness or suffering. I will miss him, though we have not spoken for so long."
A second supporter penned, "I am so very sorry to hear this. Spencer was such a great guy, and I will always be grateful to him. He had so much charm and charisma and a really wonderful way of connecting with people. My deepest condolences to all his family. RIP Spencer. You will be missed."