Richard Pryor’s relationship with his eldest son is no laughing matter — the ailing comic is seeking a restraining order against his 38-year-old namesake to stop him from taking control of his affairs.
“Unfortunately, because of Richard Jr.’s unwelcome and aggressive efforts to seek an audience with his father, it was necessary to prepare requests for restraining orders,” said Pryor’s lawyer, Lynda Larsen.
Richard Pryor Jr. is seeking conservatorship of his father’s estate. He claims that due to his father’s battle with multiple sclerosis, he cannot take care of himself.
In papers filed with L.A. County Superior Court, Richard Jr. claims that besides MS, his father suffers from depression and heart disease.
He also contends that his father’s former spouse Jennifer Lee, who has power of attorney over the comedian, is depleting his funds and assets without consent.
“Richard has been and is fully in control of his own circumstances and voluntarily employs Jennifer Lee on a full-time basis as his agent and personal manager,” the statement said. “He has the utmost trust and confidence in the work Jennifer does on his behalf.”
Richard Pryor Jr. is not the only family member against whom the funnyman has a restraining order.
He still has one out on Flynn Pryor, his fifth wife, who unsuccessfully tried to sue him a few years ago for more money.