Liberace’s Driver Claims $157m In ‘palimony’... (Press, 16 October 1982)
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Summary: Liberace’s Driver Claims $157m In ‘palimony’... (Press, 16 October 1982)
On 16 October 1982, it was reported that Scott Thorson, a 23-year-old aspiring male dancer and former chauffeur of entertainer Liberace, filed a palimony suit demanding $157 million. Thorson claimed he had an intimate, emotional, and business relationship with Liberace that lasted six years, asserting that the relationship ended in April 1982 when Liberace had him removed from their shared home. Thorson described a complex dynamic in which he had relinquished his education and career aspirations in dance and composition to become Liberace’s chauffeur and companion, as stipulated in what he alleges was a personal services agreement. His attorney, Michael Rosenthal, indicated that part of the agreement entailed Thorson engaging in a homosexual relationship with Liberace. Thorson stated that he initially sought to resolve the matter amicably out of court but claimed that Liberace was uncooperative. He further detailed that in addition to his monthly salary, he was to receive real estate interests, personal property, and promotional benefits as part of the arrangement with the entertainer. During their time together, Thorson reportedly appeared in Liberace's stage shows and was portrayed as his steadfast companion in various media. In defending against the allegations, Liberace's attorney, Joel Strote, termed the suit "absolutely absurd" and refused to comment further, citing that he had yet to review the lawsuit. He denied the veracity of Thorson’s claims. The suit is also notable for its reliance on the precedent set by the Marvin v Marvin case, in which the California Supreme Court determined that unmarried partners could seek financial compensation following the end of a relationship. Thorson accused Liberace's representatives of coercing him into signing a "litigation settlement agreement and mutual release" after the termination of their relationship and his subsequent eviction. He has also indicated that assault and battery charges had been filed against Liberace and the individuals who forcibly evicted him from the home they shared.
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