Mystery plaintiff challenges Karl Lagerfeld’s will – but pampered cat can rest easy

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Deborah Cole in BerlinFebruary 8, 2026 at 01:45 PM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

Seven years after Karl Lagerfeld's death, his 2016 will is being challenged by an unnamed plaintiff, potentially impacting the inheritance of his estimated €200 million fortune. The estate's executor has notified Lagerfeld's nieces and nephews, descendants of his deceased sisters, that they could inherit if the challenge succeeds. Lagerfeld's will designated a close circle of confidants, including his assistant, godson, and models, as beneficiaries, excluding his siblings' children. The legal challenge questions the interpretation of the will, citing uncertainty about the rightful heirs under French and Monegasque law, where Lagerfeld primarily resided. The plaintiff would need to prove Lagerfeld was not of sound mind when he signed the will. The provision for the care of his cat is not affected by the legal challenge.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Hamburg 40% Thea von der Schulenburg 40% Christiane Johnson 40% Brad Kroenig 50% Monaco 50% Sébastien Jondeau 50% Hudson Kroenig 50% Paris ×250% Chanel 60% Baptiste Giabiconi 60% Christian Boisson ×270% Karl Lagerfeld ×9100%

Keywords

karl lagerfeld 100% will challenge 90% estate 80% inheritance 70% legal dispute 60% haute couture 60% beneficiaries 50% executor 50% fashion designer 40%