Angel’s Envy widow sues son for inheritance

The widow of Angel’s Envy founder Lincoln Henderson has filed a lawsuit against her son alleging he has “effectively stolen” her inheritance money from the brand’s recent Bacardi sale.

Wesley Henderson’s father Lincoln Henderson founded Bourbon brand Angel’s Envy in 2006

In the complaint, Cecilia Henderson, 71, argues her son Wesley Henderson has not shared proceeds from her late husband’s share in a firm that owned around 10% of Angel’s Envy when the brand was sold to Bacardi Limited in March this year.

“Mrs Henderson has attempted to resolve this matter directly with Wesley, but she is now left with no choice but to seek relief from this Court,” the complaint read. “Mrs Henderson deeply regrets having to file a lawsuit against her own son, but she must protect Lincoln’s wishes and her own rights.”

Lincoln Henderson founded Angel’s Envy Bourbon in 2006 and died in September 2013 aged 73.

In 2012, Lincoln Henderson and Wesley Henderson each took a 50% share in a firm called Spirited Holdings, which had a stake in Angel’s Envy owner, Angel’s Share Brands.

When Bacardi acquired the Bourbon brand in March this year, the Hendersons had an 8-10% stake in Angel’s Share Brands.

According to the lawsuit, Lincoln Henderson left his “entire estate” to his wife in a will, who claims she “needs her inheritance to be financially self-sufficient”.

However, the suit continues to argue “Wesley Henderson has refused his mother information about the business, effectively stolen her inheritance”.

It continues to argue that Wesley Henderson “intends to keep” his mother’s inheritance for himself and “use the benefits of 100% ownership of Spirited Holdings” for “his own use and enjoyment”.

The lawsuit alleges Wesley Henderson has told relatives he plans to use the money from the Bacardi acquisition “to finance his lifestyle” and purchase “exotic luxury cars and vacation homes”.

Furthermore, the suit states Wesley Henderson has said in text message that “all of the money received (including Mrs Henderson’s share) will be placed in a bank account controlled by him”.

“There is no legal basis for Wesley to hold his mother’s inheritance hostage in an attempt to get her to agree to such a trust or arrangement,” the complaint read. “His demands directly contravene the terms of the will.

“And Mrs Henderson is not required to beg her son for her own money, or to plead her financial needs.

“Simply stated, Mrs Henderson is entitled to the unencumbered benefits of her inheritance immediately.”

The Spirits Business has approached Bacardi for a comment and is awaiting a response.