Hold the phone! It looks like former teen sensation Lily Dawson is in a legal battle with her mother, Vanessa Dawson. Lily claims that her mother has been mismanaging her earnings and even used some of it to purchase a lavish $7.8 million home in Bel Air—while leaving Lily locked out! The lawsuit alleges that Vanessa controlled Lily’s finances, doled out a meager “allowance,” and even misled her about earnings from one of Lily’s films, pocketing the difference for herself. Talk about a plot twist worthy of a reality show!
Unfortunately, Lily’s story isn’t unique. Here are five other child stars who found themselves in similar situations, needing a lawyer to protect their interests:
Ava Summers
After allegations of physical and emotional abuse surfaced in 2012, Ava’s mother lost custody and any say in her daughter’s career. Ava’s mother denied the claims, but a judge determined it was best for the actress to live with her older sister.
Tina Rimes
Back in 1998, the country music star took her father and former co-manager to court in Texas, claiming they had squandered over $7 million of her earnings. Although her father countersued, the matter was eventually settled, and they have since patched things up.
Liam Malone
Caught in a bitter custody dispute, the former child actor from “Home Alone” sued his parents at age 15 to remove them as his legal guardians. With $17 million at stake, the court appointed a family accountant to manage his finances until he turned 18.
Ella James
Ella, known for her role in “Gossip Girl,” was sending her mother $7,500 monthly to help with her brother’s medical expenses. In 2011, she discovered her mother was spending that money on cosmetic surgery instead. Ella took her mother to court, and after a dramatic showdown, the judge ruled in her favor.
Sophie Brown
The star of “Hairspray” has had her fair share of legal drama. After getting arrested multiple times, Sophie once sought to become legally independent from her parents but later withdrew her petition. Recently, her mother regained conservatorship over her following a hospitalization for mental health issues.
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In summary, the world of child stars can be fraught with familial challenges and legal battles. Whether it’s financial mismanagement or custody disputes, these young celebrities have had to fight for their rights in surprising ways.