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Lisa Simone Kelly, born Lisa Celeste Shroud, has always been vocal and done what she can to protect her mother’s image, but sources claim the same can’t be said about protecting Nina Simone’s money.

According to TMZ, the daughter of the late singer is being accused of taking more than $2 million from her mother’s estate and using it for a range of things, including putting some money into an account for a company Ms. Kelly owns. The California Attorney General says money from Simone’s estate was supposed to go to fund music schools in South Africa, Ghana and Liberia, according to Simone’s wishes. However, they say that hasn’t happened because Kelly, who is the trustee of her mother’s estate, giving her access to all of Simone’s money, has used the money for other things. The biggest violation according to the Attorney General includes using $1.5 million to put into her own separate business. According to TMZ, the California Attorney General “is now demanding an accounting of funds — which could result in criminal action.” The attorney general also reportedly wants Kelly to step down from her post as trustee of the legendary soul singer’s estate because of such allegations against her.

Kelly is a singer/songwriter who was very vocal with her disappointment that Zoe Saldana was cast to play her mother in the upcoming Nina Simone biopic. The role was originally supposed to be given to Mary J. Blige (she stepped down due to scheduling issues), and Kelly said she would have preferred to see Viola Davis or Kimberly Elise take on her mother’s image. Hopefully Kelly will respond to such accusations because we’re hoping that they’re not true. We will keep you posted on any responses she gives.

 

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