Paul Newman's daughter slams executive her father left in charge of his firm amid claims the family has been 'taken hostage'

  • Actor's daughter said her and four sisters expected $1million each in will
  • She claims the siblings had expected to be put on company board 
  • Newman's Own boss Robert Forrester said it is being run 'Paul's way'

Paul Newman's daughter has hit out at the executive her father left in charge of his famed food company and foundation, claiming they have taken the family 'hostage'.

Susan Newman has spoken out against Robert Forrester, her father's friend and adviser who took charge of Newman's Own after his death, in 2008.

The bitter dispute originates from Newman's will with Susan believing she and her four sisters have not received what they were entitled to.

Unhappy: Paul Newman's daughter Susan (left) says the family is being taken hostage by Newman's Own CEO

Unhappy: Paul Newman's daughter Susan (left) says the family is being taken hostage by Newman's Own CEO

'Some family members may be angry at me for speaking out, but I feel like the Newman family has been taken hostage by Bob Forrester,' she told Vanity Fair

She claims she was told that each daughter would inherit a million dollars and foundations set up with up to $30 million or more per daughter.

Ms Newman also asserts that the sisters were set to serve on the Newman's Own board but this never materialized.

But Mr Forrester says the acting great never considered the company to be a family enterprise and insists everything is being done in line with how Paul would have wanted it. 

He said: 'At one time, he was giving some thought to having one daughter on each board serving a time-limited term, but ultimately decided against doing so.'

Row: There are claims Paul Newman's daughters Clea, Susan and Nell (pictured) are being cut out of Newman's Own company

Row: There are claims Paul Newman's daughters Clea, Susan and Nell (pictured) are being cut out of Newman's Own company

The Academy Award winner, famed for films including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, co-founded the company with writer A.E. Hotchner in 1982.  

The brand started with salad dressing, and has expanded to include pasta sauce, lemonade, popcorn, salsa, and wine, among other things. 

The philanthropist established a policy that all proceeds, after taxes, were donated to charity with it having donated in excess of $400million by 2014.

He was married to actress Joanne Woodward from 1958 until his death. She has not commented on their daughter’s statements.

Paul Newman's wife Joanne Woodward, who were married shortly before this picture was taken in 1958, has not commented on her daughter's claims

Paul Newman's wife Joanne Woodward, who were married shortly before this picture was taken in 1958, has not commented on her daughter's claims

'The Color of Money': Paul Newman, pictured with Tom Cruise in 1986. His daughter claims promises made to the family are not being upheld by the late star's company

'The Color of Money': Paul Newman, pictured with Tom Cruise in 1986. His daughter claims promises made to the family are not being upheld by the late star's company

  

 

 

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