Latest news with #AnnenbergFoundation
New York Post
01-08-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg's final days marred by bitter fued between lesbian lover and kids
Billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg's children were locked in a bitter legal feud with their mom's longtime girlfriend just weeks before she died — with the kids alleging the 86-year-old heiress was abused, drugged and locked away in a vegetative state towards the end. Three of Annenberg's kids allege their mother's longtime partner, Kris Levine, and her sister, Vikki Levine, isolated and overmedicated the philanthropist before she succumbed to her lung cancer battle on Monday, the Los Angeles Times reported. In the lead up to her death, the children — Gregory, Lauren and Charles — had accused Vikki, who was their mom's personal assistant and had authority over her medical decisions, of hastening Annenberg's decline by exerting control over her in 'likely fatal' ways, court documents state. The kids, too, were distressed about plans to send Annenberg's remains for composting within hours of her looming death, according to the various filings. The Levine sisters, for their part, have blasted the allegations as 'vicious and false.' 3 Billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg's children were locked in a bitter legal feud with their mom's longtime girlfriend just weeks before she died. Annenberg Foundation They claim no one was over-medicating or mistreating Annenberg and that the dispute, which isn't tied to her vast fortune, stems from her children not being in charge of her care. The bitter family feud escalated after Annenberg, the heiress to her father Walter Annenberg's publishing empire, was first diagnosed with cancer in late 2023. Despite going into remission, the disease returned last fall, and she opted not to undergo treatment again, court records show. In May, she started hospice care and was given medication to help with the pain and anxiety brought on by her decreased lung function, the filings state. A month later, Annenberg's children claim Vikki hired a new team of nurses to allegedly start administering 'excessive amounts of powerful narcotics and opioids, such as Fentanyl, Morphine, Ativan and other similar drugs.' They alleged the drugs kept their mom 'in a vegetative state' and that when she was coherent, she was 'adamant that this is not what she wants and that she believes, in her own words, that Vikki is 'kidnapping her.'' The children later filed a petition with Los Angeles County Superior Court in early July in a bid to have Vikki removed as Annenberg's healthcare agent authority. 3 Annenberg's kids allege their mother's longtime partner, Kris Levine, and her sister, Vikki Levine, isolated and overmedicated the philanthropist before she succumbed to her lung cancer battle. Getty Images for Women's Cancer Research Fund 'We have been informed that my mother may only have weeks to live, and I do not want those weeks to be spent in a medically-induced coma due to Vikki's actions, which are contrary to medical advice and harmful to her well-being,' her daughter, Lauren, wrote in one declaration. They also sought to have a judge impose a three-day limit to ensure Annenberg's remains couldn't be quickly removed from her house and sent away before they could say a proper goodbye. Kris, who had been dating the heiress since 2009 and lived with her, adamantly denied the claims — and insisted she allowed the siblings unrestricted access to their ailing mom. 'No one is attempting to hurt Wallis — we love her. No one is keeping her children from her. Despite the outrageous behavior they exhibit in my home at such a sensitive time, they are still welcome,' Kris said in a declaration. She argued that her partner's children were trying to interfere in their mother's care. 'They crowd around Wallis' bed while the nurses are caring for her, tell Wallis that she doesn't need the medication, refuse to get out of their way, ask numerous questions about the medication and procedures being employed, and generally make the situation untenable for a care-provider to work,' she wrote, according to court docs. Still, on July 22, a judge determined there was 'good cause' to suspend Vikki as Annenberg's healthcare agent. A professional fiduciary was temporarily appointed to oversee her care. Annenberg, however, died a week later. 3 Annenberg supported the arts, science, education and animal welfare causes over decades in Los Angeles Michael Kovac The Post reached out to Kris' attorney but didn't hear back immediately. Lawyers for Annenberg's children declined to comment. In the wake of her death, the family issued a statement saying, 'Wallis transitioned peacefully and comfortably this morning to her new adventure.' 'Cancer may have beaten her body but it never got her spirit. We will hold her and her wisdom in our hearts forever.' Annenberg, who supported the arts, science, education and animal welfare causes over decades in Los Angeles, had served as chief executive of the Annenberg Foundation for 16 years. The nonprofit organization has donated about $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations in Southern California. Her father started the foundation after selling his publishing empire, including TV Guide and a slew of other publications, to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp in 1989. Walter Annenberg died in 2002. With Post wires
USA Today
28-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Celebrated Los Angeles philanthropist Wallis Annenberg dies at 86
Wallis Annenberg used her family's publishing-industry fortune to help transform the arts, research, social issues and the environment around LA. Publishing heiress and billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg, a longtime supporter of the arts, wildlife, education and the elderly through her family foundation, died July 28 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 86. Annenberg's death was confirmed by the Annenberg Foundation. The cause was complications of lung cancer, the Los Angeles Times reported. The heiress of her father Walter Annenberg's publishing empire, Wallis Annenberg worked for her father's company, Triangle Publications, which included titles such as TV Guide. She stepped in as vice president of her family's charitable foundation following her father's death in 2002, and as chair after the death of her stepmother, Leonore, in 2009. For more than 20 years, Annenberg oversaw more than $3 billion in charitable grants and donations to projects, many of which bear her name. They include the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center in Exposition Park and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, affectionately known as "The Wallis." Robert van Leer, executive director & CEO of The Wallis, said in a statement that Annenberg believed in the capacity of the arts to unite people from all walks of life and bring about meaningful change. "In honoring her memory, we commit to continuing her work by championing diverse voices and nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences," van Leer said. "Her vision will continue to inspire us as we carry forth her mission at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts." The world's largest wildlife crossing: The Wallis Annenberg Crossing, a historic highway overpass for animals that cost nearly $100 million, is almost done Annenberg also contributed to the upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which claims to be the world's largest, spanning 10 lanes on the 101 Freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains. The overpass will allow wildlife to cross freely above one of the nation's busiest highways. In a statement, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Wallis Annenberg's leadership transformed the city in profound and lasting ways. "There are unhoused Angelenos sleeping inside because of her. There are young people throughout the city expanding their horizons and exposure to the arts and sciences in new and exciting ways because of her," Bass said. "There are institutions, museums, as well as public spaces like beaches and parks that are enhanced and improved because of her. "Put simply ‒ Los Angeles is stronger because of her. Her legacy of generosity will live on forever through the many lives changed by her service." Gov. Gavin Newsom described Annenberg as a visionary who believed not just in a better world, but in a kinder one. "She worked on broader societal issues, including funding medical research, economic development, and environmental protection, but she deeply believed in supporting the American right to the pursuit of happiness," Newsom said in a statement. "She was always determined to find new ways to help people achieve a better, more joyful quality of life, and above all else, to help people connect with each other." Wallis Annenberg is survived by four children and five grandchildren.
Hindustan Times
28-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Wallis Annenberg dies at 86: Family, legacy, and net worth of the LA philanthropist
Wallis Annenberg, one of Los Angeles' most influential philanthropists, died Monday morning at her home. She was 86. According to the Los Angeles Times, her family said the cause was complications from lung cancer. Annenberg ran the Annenberg Foundation for nearly 20 years. She had held the top positions of chair, CEO, and president, overseeing approximately $1.2 billion in assets. The foundation, started by her father, media mogul Walter Annenberg, played a major role in funding education, the arts, environmental efforts, and civic projects across the region. Wallis Annenberg dies at 86.(Instagram/ annenberggenspace) Who was Wallis Annenberg? Wallis was Walter Annenberg's only daughter. He built a publishing empire that included TV Guide and Seventeen. After selling the company to Rupert Murdoch in 1988, he launched the Annenberg Foundation. Wallis worked at TV Guide early on and later stepped in at the foundation after her father died in 2002. By 2009, she had full control. She widened its mission. Her focus was not just on media or education-it was local. L.A. local. She pushed for parks, animal shelters, beach access, senior centers, and more. Her major establishments included the Community Beach House in Santa Monica, the GenSpace in Koreatown, and the wildlife crossing in Agoura Hills. Also read: Miami philanthropists donate an American masterpiece to Britain's Tate Modern What was Wallis Annenberg's net worth? According to the Los Angeles Times, she did not discuss her personal fortune extensively, but the foundation's assets were publicly known: approximately $1.2 billion. Under her watch, about $1.5 billion was donated to groups across L.A. County. She also made personal gifts. A few examples: $75 million for the performing arts center that now carries her name in Beverly Hills. $50 million to USC. $10 million to LACMA. Family and what's next Wallis was once married to Dr. Seth Weingarten. They divorced in 1975. She had four children: Lauren, Gregory, Charles, and Roger Weingarten. Three of them-Lauren Bon, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, and Charles Annenberg Weingarten-are all involved in the foundation and will continue its work. Lauren is an artist. Gregory paints. Charles makes documentaries and runs She also leaves behind five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. FAQs When did Wallis Annenberg die? She died on July 28, 2025, at her home in Los Angeles. How much money did she oversee? Roughly $1.2 billion in Annenberg Foundation assets. Who are her children? Lauren Bon, Gregory, Charles, and Roger Annenberg Weingarten. Was she married? She was divorced from Dr. Seth Weingarten. What is she known for? Leading the Annenberg Foundation and funding key public spaces in L.A.
CBS News
28-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg known for her work in the arts, sciences dies at 86
Wallis Annenberg, the billionaire philanthropist who supported the arts, science, education and animal welfare causes over decades in Los Angeles, died Monday, her family said. She was 86. Annenberg died at home from complications related to lung cancer, the family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. "Wallis transitioned peacefully and comfortable this morning to her new adventure," the statement said. "Cancer may have beaten her body but it never got her spirit. We will hold her and her wisdom in our hearts forever." Her children and co-directors of the Annenberg Foundation, Lauren Bon, Gregory Weingarten and Charles Weingarten, released a statement saying their mother's generosity will lift people up for "many generations to come." "To the public, she was a dynamic force in philanthropy, to us, she was a mother, grandmother, friend, mentor, and a force of nature whose life and family remain committed to honoring public service," the statement said. Her name adorns institutions across the Los Angeles area, including the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace senior center and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the world's largest bridge for animals on the move, will open next year over an LA freeway. Mayor Karen Bass said Annenberg's passing affects more than just LA. Bass said that her impact helped transform the city in "profound and lasting ways." "Put simply — Los Angeles is stronger because of her," Bass said. "Her legacy of generosity will live on forever through the many lives changed by her service. My thoughts are with the Annenberg family during this difficult time." During her 16-year tenure as president and chief executive of the Annenberg Foundation, the nonprofit organization has donated about $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations in Southern California, the Times reported. Under Wallis Annenberg's leadership, the foundation expanded its philanthropic scope beyond media, arts and education to include animal welfare, environmental conservation and healthcare. Gov. Gavin Newsom also released a statement saying she was a "visionary who believed not just in a better world but a kinder one." He added that she was committed to helping people connect with each other and her work helepd fund medical research, economic development and environmental protection. "California is better for all that she did, and for her enormous heart and unbelievable generosity," Newsom said. "Jen and I join all those mourning this remarkable woman, but know that her legacy is carried on by her family, the work she accomplished, and the people she empowered to create a better world." Her father, Walter Annenberg, started the foundation after selling his publishing empire, including TV Guide and other publications, in 1989 to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Walter Annenberg died in 2002. Wallis Annenberg was a longtime board member of LA's Museum of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA. In 2002, she gave $10 million to endow LACMA's director position. "Wallis Annenberg blessed the Los Angeles community not only with her philanthropy, but also with her guidance about how to improve our community," said LACMA Chief Executive Michael Govan, who filled that endowed position in 2006. Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s after marrying neurosurgeon Seth Weingarten. The couple divorced in 1975. Wallis Annenberg received the 2022 National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden for her life in philanthropy. She is survived by four children and five grandchildren.
CTV News
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Wallis Annenberg, billionaire philanthropist who backed arts, science and other causes, dies at 86
Wallis Annenberg, right, presents Elizabeth Taylor, center, and Sylvester Stallone with Devereux Foundation Awards at a ceremony, Thursday, July 12, 1984, Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, file) LOS ANGELES — Wallis Annenberg, the billionaire philanthropist who supported the arts, science, education and animal welfare causes over decades in Los Angeles, died Monday, her family said. She was 86. Annenberg died at home from complications related to lung cancer, the family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. 'Wallis transitioned peacefully and comfortable this morning to her new adventure,' the statement said. 'Cancer may have beaten her body but it never got her spirit. We will hold her and her wisdom in our hearts forever.' Her name adorns institutions across the Los Angeles area, including the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace senior center and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the world's largest bridge for animals on the move, will open next year over an LA freeway. During her 16-year tenure as president and chief executive of the Annenberg Foundation, the nonprofit organization has donated about $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations in Southern California, the Times reported. Under Wallis Annenberg's leadership, the foundation expanded its philanthropic scope beyond media, arts and education to include animal welfare, environmental conservation and healthcare. Her father, Walter Annenberg, started the foundation after selling his publishing empire, including TV Guide and other publications, in 1989 to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Walter Annenberg died in 2002. Wallis Annenberg was a longtime board member of LA's Museum of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA. In 2002, she gave $10 million to endow LACMA's director position. 'Wallis Annenberg blessed the Los Angeles community not only with her philanthropy, but also with her guidance about how to improve our community,' said LACMA Chief Executive Michael Govan, who filled that endowed position in 2006. Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s after marrying neurosurgeon Seth Weingarten. The couple divorced in 1975. Wallis Annenberg received the 2022 National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden for her life in philanthropy. She is survived by four children and five grandchildren. The Associated Press
