Cher, the renowned pop icon, has once again sought legal control over her son, Elijah Blue Allman, citing serious mental health and addictive behaviour that she claims has left him “gravely disabled.” The petition was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court and comes after Allman’s recent legal troubles and mental health crises.
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The 79-year-old singer filed the request earlier this week, proposing that Jason Rubin be appointed as a temporary conservator for 49-year-old Allman, who has struggled with severe addiction issues. This is not the first time Cher has taken this step; she previously sought a temporary conservatorship in December 2023, desiring to be the sole conservator at that time. However, the latest documentation suggests that the condition of her son has significantly worsened since then.
Allman currently resides in a locked psychiatric facility in New Hampshire, where he is being treated in an effort to regain his competency before facing multiple criminal charges, including felony burglary and assault. The court documents allege that his mental health has deteriorated to such an extent that he is unable to manage his own finances, avoid hazardous situations, or even comprehend the implications of his actions.
Cher’s filing paints a stark picture of her son’s financial irresponsibility. According to her claims, Allman demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of money management and spends any funds he receives almost immediately on substances, luxury hotels, and limousine services. The former couple’s son is reportedly over $200,000 in unpaid taxes and has failed to comply with court orders to pay spousal support to his ex-wife.
The documentation reveals startling details about Allman’s spending habits and the consequences of his actions. Cher alleges that he has a pattern of destructive behaviour that has led to thousands of pounds of damages in various rental properties. A particularly alarming incident involved a reported debt of £50,000 linked to a recent Airbnb stay, along with other significant debts owed to drug dealers.
Cher asserts that Allman’s financial situation is untenable and claims he uses money from his father’s trust—an alleged annual sum of £120,000—without considering the repercussions. She believes that should he continue to receive this distribution, he is likely to squander it on drugs, further exacerbating his declining health.
The pop star indicates a concerning pattern in her son’s behaviour where he often resorts to hotels once he receives money from his trust fund, engaging in drug use until his funds are depleted. This cycle reportedly leads him to hospitalisation or overdoses. Additionally, Cher notes that Allman’s disruptive behaviour has led to him being expelled from numerous establishments, further complicating his already dire circumstances.
Allman’s brother, Devon, has also expressed concern, writing to the court about Elijah’s wellbeing. He describes his brother as a potential danger to himself and worries that he is incapable of managing his life or any funds that may come his way. Devon recounts a “distressing” visit that revealed both mental and physical challenges faced by Elijah, including situations requiring negotiation with drug dealers regarding his debts.
Cher’s concerns extend beyond mental instabilities to include issues with reckless behaviour, such as cooking-related mishaps that have resulted in home fires. Her worries about his deteriorating state suggest a snowballing effect, wherein his addiction and mental health issues have created an untenable living situation.
As the case unfolds, Allman is expected to appear in court for pending criminal charges in New Hampshire, with a hearing concerning the proposed conservatorship scheduled for later this month. Cher has redoubled her efforts to gain control over her son’s life, emphasising the urgency of the situation as she argues that her son is not in a position to make informed decisions regarding his wellbeing or finances.
This ongoing family saga highlights the struggles many face amidst mental health crises and addiction, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will affect Allman’s future and possible recovery. Cher’s commitment to her son’s wellbeing highlights the profound challenges families encounter when dealing with such issues.