Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Comics icon Stan Lee downplayed the recent claims surrounding him and his estate in the past year in a new interview published today.
Previously, millions of dollars from Lee’s bank account disappeared, allegedly by former business associate Jerardo Olivarez. Lee was also granted a protective order in June against Keya Morgan, who he began working with after the death of his wife in July 2017. Then, The Hollywood Reporter wrote in April that Lee signed a legal declaration that said his daughter was a “volatile overspender easily influenced by three men with bad intentions.” Also, he himself was accused of sexually harassing nurses tasked with caring for him, which his team called “extortion.” There were lawsuits that were filed by and against him, and then, the Los Angeles Police Department investigated claims of elder abuse concerning Lee.
During this recent interview, Lee aimed to reassure everyone that he’s alright following the recent drama and allegations. Writer Mark Ebner opened the conversation with telling Lee he was sorry for all the drama.
“There really isn’t that much drama. As far as I’m concerned, we have a wonderful life,” Lee said. “I’m pretty damn lucky. I love my daughter, I’m hoping that she loves me, and I couldn’t ask for a better life. If only my wife was still with us. I don’t know what this is all about.”
Lee, who was joined by daughter J.C. for the interview, added, ““I wish that everyone was as abusive to me as J.C. She is a wonderful daughter. I like her. We have occasional spats. But I have occasional spats with everyone. I’ll probably have one with you, where I’ll be saying, ‘I didn’t say that!’ But, that’s life.”
J.C. occasionally jumped in to clarify her father’s comments or disagree with his memories. While she admitted that she has yelled at her father, it was only in the last 10 years, due to frustration that he has hearing problems and anger about her dad being taken advantage of. J.C. also refuted allegations that she has ever abused her father or her late mother, which The Hollywood Reporter piece first alleged.
“As long as I’ve lived, I have never touched my mother, my father, or a dog. Never,” J.C. told the Daily Beast. “How that ever happened… between us, my mother was very ill. She was on major drugs and drink for the pain. And she didn’t make it really easy.”
J.C. added that it was a terrible situation. “There was never physical violence in this house. Never. I will take anything from anyone, anytime.” J.C. also denied that she spends a massive amount of money in the interview. Le echoed his daughter’s statement, saying there’s “no problem.”
Lee spoke more about his relationship with his daughter, “My daughter. I love her very much. I suspect that she loves me. We get along beautifully. I have regrets, and I suppose she does to.”
Lee reveals he does not plan to go on the road for fan conventions, but does expect to “come up with more projects.”
