‘Hulk’ star Lou Ferrigno is accusing his daughter of “elder abuse” against her own mother, Carla Ferrigno, claiming she is being financially manipulated due to extreme dementia.
According to legal documents, obtained by The Blast, the bodybuilder filed a restraining order against his daughter — Shanna Ferrigno — and Carla’s sister, claiming the two women are involved in “financially exploiting” his wife.
Specifically, Lou claims “Carla was financially exploited into attempting to withdraw $500,000 even though she is medically determined unable to manage her affairs. She has been isolated from her husband Lou, and has been unduly influenced into villainizing Lou and acting hostile towards Lou.
Adding, “These emotional and psychological tactics are elder abuse, harmful to Carla, and are probably progressing her already advanced dementia.”
Lou Ferrigno Accuses Daughter Of Trying To ‘Abscond’ With $500,000
As we reported, Lou Ferrigno filed documents saying his wife is suffering from advanced dementia and is unable to care for herself. In the filing, Lou points out that he is the trustee of the family’s trust, and should be solely in charge of the couple’s finances.
Ferrigno’s legal team described the “exploitation” in the request for a restraining order, saying, “On September 12, 2023, Shanna Ferrigno (Carla’s daughter) and Vog (Carla’s sister) drove Carla to Chase Bank attempting to withdraw $500,000, even though Carla has advanced dementia and has been medically determined to be unable to manage her affairs and in need of 24-7 care.”
They continued, “The bank called Lou to inform him. Lou hurried to the bank and was able to temporarily flag the account, but Court relief is necessary to maintain the status quo and to prevent Shanna and Pam from absconding with $500,000, which would irreparably harm Carla if Lou has to then chase them to try to recover the money.”
‘Hulk’ Star Says Daughter Is Trying To ‘Poison’ Her Mom’s Mind
As for how the family got to such a nasty place, Lou describes his wife of 43 years condition, and how he believes it is being taken advantage of by their daughter.
“Specifically, Carla has late-stage dementia which has significantly progressed over the past two years. She is unable to manage her own affairs, as medically determined by her own physician. Shanna opportunistically has tried to commandeer Carla. She will take Carla from Carla’s home to Shanna’s home for the day, and poison her mind with vitriol about Lou. When Carla returns, she is hostile and triggered towards Lou. Pam Vog also feeds Carla with lies about Lou. Shanna will turn off the cameras in the home needed to ensure Carla’s security. Shanna would direct Carla’s doctors and caretakers, including changing caretakers or their shift times without Lou’s authorization,” he claims.
According to the documents, the situation was exacerbated after the ‘Hulk’ star filed the original legal request to confirm control of the couple’s finances. The television star claims the two women became “unhinged” after being served with the paperwork.
“They started badgering Carla with lies that Lou is trying to steal Carla’s money (quite the opposite, Lou filed a Court Petition under Court supervision for authority to ensure the money is available for Carla’s care). Carla has advanced dementia and is easily manipulated and influenced. Carla became hostile towards Lou as a result of Shanna’s and Pam’s triggering,” he wrote.
Lou Ferrigno Is Asking For A Court Order Protecting His Wife’s Money
At this point, Ferrigno is asking a court for an order prohibiting any bank from “distributing funds” to his wife or family for any account held in Carlotta Ferrigno’s name without the “authorization of Lou Ferrigno.” In other words, no one can remove money without his approval. He claims it is “to maintain the status quo and avoid financial harm to Carlotta Ferrigno.”
The actor claims if the money is allowed to be removed by anyone else, including his daughter, “those monies will be unavailable for Carla’s care, to her great detriment.”
Adding, “Neither Shanna nor Pam have any legal authority to direct financial withdrawals on Carla’s behalf. Thus, they must be restrained to prevent serious harm.”
It’s unclear if Carla will be able legally or medically to respond to this legal situation.
It’s now up to a judge.
