This legal dispute centers around the substantial estate of Allan Goldman, a man whose lineage traces back to Sol Goldman, a prominent figure in Manhattan’s real estate history, with holdings that once included the iconic Chrysler Building. Allan Goldman, battling Parkinson’s disease, died in Russia in January 2022, sparking a contentious battle over his will between his son, Steven Gurney-Goldman, and Natalia Vostrikova, Goldman’s long-time companion and caregiver. The core of the conflict lies in Gurney-Goldman’s accusations of neglect against Vostrikova, alleging that she hastened his father’s demise to expedite her inheritance, while Vostrikova vehemently denies these claims, asserting her innocence and emphasizing the loving relationship she shared with the deceased.
Steven Gurney-Goldman, acting as the executor of his father’s will, initiated a lawsuit against Natalia Vostrikova, accusing her of neglecting his ailing father during their stay in Russia. He claims that Vostrikova, who had also served as the family nanny decades prior, prioritized her own luxurious lifestyle, funded by his father’s wealth, while leaving Allan Goldman unattended in a five-star Moscow hotel. Gurney-Goldman alleges that his father’s condition deteriorated severely during this period, marked by multiple organ failures and bedsores. He contends that Vostrikova’s neglect was a deliberate attempt to hasten Allan Goldman’s death so she could sooner receive her $2 million inheritance. This accusation forms the crux of his wrongful death lawsuit against Vostrikova.
Natalia Vostrikova, on the other hand, paints a starkly different picture of her relationship with Allan Goldman. She maintains that their bond was one of genuine affection and mutual care, emphasizing the deep love they shared. She dismisses Gurney-Goldman’s accusations as baseless fabrications, motivated by his desire to exclude her from the will. Vostrikova insists that she diligently cared for Allan Goldman during his illness, providing him with the necessary support and companionship. Furthermore, she asserts that Russian authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding Allan Goldman’s death and cleared her of any wrongdoing, a fact disputed by Gurney-Goldman’s legal team.
The financial stakes in this legal battle are substantial. Allan Goldman’s estate is estimated to be worth at least $250 million, in addition to a 25% stake in Solil Management, his father’s real estate company, which boasts an estimated value of $12 billion according to Forbes. This considerable fortune amplifies the intensity of the conflict between Gurney-Goldman and Vostrikova, as both sides stand to gain or lose a significant amount depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings. Vostrikova’s legal counsel argues that Gurney-Goldman’s accusations are a blatant attempt to manipulate the situation and deny her what she is rightfully entitled to.
Vostrikova has filed a motion to dismiss Gurney-Goldman’s lawsuit entirely, asserting that his claims are unfounded and malicious. She seeks to uphold the wishes of Allan Goldman, maintaining that he intended for her to benefit from his estate. Her legal team argues that Gurney-Goldman’s accusations are a desperate attempt to tarnish her reputation and unjustly deprive her of her rightful inheritance. They portray Vostrikova as a devoted companion who provided unwavering care and support to Allan Goldman during his final years, contrasting sharply with Gurney-Goldman’s portrayal of her as a negligent opportunist.
The legal representatives for both sides have articulated their respective positions with conviction. Gurney-Goldman’s lawyer maintains that Vostrikova has not been cleared of any wrongdoing and that Russian authorities declined to investigate the circumstances of Allan Goldman’s death. He asserts that Gurney-Goldman, as the executor of the will, is fulfilling his fiduciary duty by pursuing legal action against Vostrikova for her alleged role in his father’s untimely demise. Conversely, Vostrikova’s attorney insists that she has been exonerated by Russian authorities and that Gurney-Goldman’s accusations are a calculated attempt to disinherit her. He emphasizes the loving relationship between Vostrikova and Allan Goldman, portraying her as a dedicated caregiver who provided unwavering support. This ongoing legal battle will ultimately determine the distribution of Allan Goldman’s significant estate and the veracity of the contrasting narratives surrounding his final days.
