In a significant family development, iconic singer and actress Cher, 77, has initiated a conservatorship for her son, Elijah Blue Allman, 47, addressing his longstanding struggles with substance abuse. This legal step reflects the profound challenges Allman has faced and Cher’s commitment to his well-being.
Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, is known for her multifaceted career spanning over six decades, marked by success in music, television, and film.
The legal filing states that Cher has “worked tirelessly to get Elijah into treatment and get him the help he needs.”
In October, Cher ended her quiet period regarding her son’s issues and shared details with the media concerning her bond with Elijah. This came to light following allegations that she had engaged the services of four men to extricate him from a New York City hotel room in what seemed to be an intervention attempt in November 2022. Cher denied her participation in the incident.
The filing indicates that despite Allman being scheduled to gain control of trust assets by the year’s end, there is an immediate necessity for a conservator to safeguard his property against possible damage or loss. This is due to his current incapacity to oversee his finances, stemming from significant mental health challenges and addiction problems. Furthermore, the report suggests that his estranged spouse, Marieangela King, is unsuitable for the conservator role given that their stormy relationship has consistently been plagued by repeated patterns of substance dependence and mental health emergencies.
Elijah Blue Allman, born on July 10, 1976, to Cher and her former husband, the late musician Gregg Allman, is a talented musician in his own right. He is the frontman of the rock band Deadsy, known for their unique blend of gothic, synthpop, and metal sounds. Growing up in a household steeped in musical influence, Allman naturally gravitated towards a career in the arts.
Despite his artistic success, Allman’s journey has been marked by personal struggles, particularly with substance abuse. He has been open about his battles with addiction, which began at a young age, and his efforts to overcome these challenges. His candid discussions about his experiences have shed light on the complexities of addiction and recovery.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Allman has also explored other artistic avenues, including visual arts and fashion, demonstrating a multifaceted creative spirit. His relationship with his parents, especially Cher, has been a subject of media attention, with periods of both estrangement and reconciliation reflective of many family dynamics.
Cher’s decision to file for conservatorship is driven by her deep concern for Elijah’s health in the wake of these challenges.
Conservatorships are legal arrangements where a guardian or protector is appointed by a judge to manage the life and assets of someone unable to do so themselves. This move, while a private family matter, underscores the severity of Allman’s situation.
The concept of conservatorship has gained significant public attention, particularly following the highly publicized case involving pop star Britney Spears. In Spears’ case, the conservatorship was contested and led to widespread media coverage and public discussion about the implications and ethics of such legal arrangements.
Unlike Spears’ situation, there has been no indication yet whether Allman will contest his mother’s filing. In many cases, conservatorships are sought as a last resort when all other interventions have failed or when the individual’s condition poses a significant risk to their own well-being.
Apart from his struggles with substance abuse, Allman has faced other health issues, including a battle with Lyme disease, which he contracted in the early 2000s. His health and well-being have been a constant concern for Cher, who has been an active and caring presence in his life.
Cher’s action is not just a legal formality but a testament to a mother’s enduring love and commitment to her child’s health and recovery. Throughout her career, Cher has been known for her philanthropy and activism, and this personal step echoes her compassionate nature.
As the legal process for the conservatorship unfolds, it will involve careful evaluation and decision-making, taking into account Allman’s best interests. The conservatorship aims to provide a structured environment where he can receive the necessary support and care.
In response to Cher’s move, Allman has taken steps to retract his divorce petition from his spouse, Marieangela King, following a two-year separation. Lawyers for Allman submitted a motion to dismiss the case without prejudice at the Los Angeles Superior Court on January 2. Allman and King were married in December 2013. Allman initiated divorce actions on November 15, 2021, pointing to insurmountable differences. This filing came after they had been living apart since April of 2020.
During a telephone conversation with The Associated Press, Allman expressed his good health and clear mental state by affirming, “I am in good condition, capable, and both mentally and physically sound.” He chose not to reveal if he intends to contest the petition and refrained from providing additional remarks.