California Supreme Court rejects appeal of Joey Bishop estate

January 17, 2010

The California Supreme Court this week rejected a Jewish organization’sappeal against the estate of Joey Bishop, the late entertainer andmember of the “Rat Pack.” But the legal battle over his fortune isn’tover yet, an attorney for the Newport Beach Chabad Center said Friday. Thecenter filed several lawsuits and claims against Bishop’s estate,alleging that the entertainer’s advisors and live-in caretaker blockedhis final wishes to have part of his estate go toward setting up acharity for special-needs children in Orange County. A longtimeresident of Newport Beach, Bishop died Oct. 17, 2007, at his Lido Islehome at the age of 89. The court declined to hear the case basedon technical reasons, and did not address the merits of Chabad’s case,attorney Bob Weinberg, who represents Chabad, said Friday.

“Mr.Bishop was the victim of elder abuse. The lawyers and accountant andthe housekeeper got Mr. Bishop’s money despite Mr. Bishop’s repeatedstatements that he wished the bulk of his estate to go to charities runby Chabad,” Weinberg said. “The court did not ever address nor rejectthe truth of these contentions.” Chabad is still weighing its legal options, but the fight is far from over, Weinberg said.

Ina written statement released Thursday through her attorneys after thecourt had made its ruling, Bishop’s live-in girlfriend and caretaker,Nora Garibotti, blasted Newport Beach Chabad Rabbi Reuven Mintz.