LOS ANGELES – Robert Blake has filed for bankruptcy 21/2 months after a civil court jury found that he intentionally caused his wife’s death and awarded her children $30 million in damages.
Blake was acquitted in March in criminal court of murdering Bonny Lee Bakley. In Friday’s filing, he listed his biggest liabilities as the $30 million judgment, a $1.27 million federal tax bill and a $334,337 state tax assessment. The filing says he has assets in the range of $100,001 and $500,000.
Blake’s civil attorney, Peter Ezzell, said he believes the former tough-guy actor is broke. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have written off $200,000 in fees,” he said.
Ezzell said he capped his legal fees at $250,000 plus costs. The former “Baretta” star’s bankruptcy filing indicates he owes the attorney $7,903.
But Eric Dubin, the attorney who represented Bakley’s family in the civil trial, questioned whether Blake was truly destitute.
“The concept of Robert Blake doing everything he can to avoid paying was highly anticipated,” Dubin said. “And we’re ready for it.”
Dubin said Blake has sold two homes in recent years. He declined to say what he thinks Blake is worth, but said the actor has spread his assets around in numerous corporations.
Blake rents an apartment in the San Fernando Valley, said longtime friend and publicist Dale Olson. Blake’s adult daughter adopted Rosie, the now 5-year-old daughter he had with Bakley.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
