Grandson sues over 'deplorable' care provided to head of Astor dynasty

Brooke Astor, the 104-year-old grand-dame of New York high society, is being fed a pauper's diet and is denied sufficient medical care and even decent heating during the winter, according to documents filed in a shocking lawsuit by her grandson, Philip Marshall.

In the suit, first reported exclusively yesterday by the New York Daily News, Mr Marshall accuses his father, Anthony Marshall, who is Ms Astor's only child, of deliberately stinting on every aspect of his mother's care, while paying himself $2.3m annually for services as her legal guardian.

Backing the suit are some other names in high places, including the former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, as well as David Rockefeller.

The grandson asserts that: "Her bedroom is so cold in the winter that my grandmother is forced to sleep in the TV room in torn nightgowns on a filthy couch that smells, probably from dog urine."

He adds that his father has "turned a blind eye to her, intentionally and repeatedly ignoring her health, safety, personal and household needs, while enriching himself with millions of dollars".

"My grandmother is one of the great philanthropists of our time. The sad and deplorable state of my family's affairs has compelled me to bring this guardianship action," he said.

With a first hearing set for 8 August, the suit alleges that Ms Astor is the victim of abuse, and seeks to have 84-year-old Anthony Marshall removed as her legal guardian and replaced by Annette de la Renta, the wife of fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, and by JP Morgan Chase Bank.

Mr Rockefeller, who has filed supporting affidavits with the court, wrote: "I have known Brooke Astor since the late 1940s and consider a very close friend. I am concerned about her welfare and hope that guardians are appointed to look after her needs."

Less than ten years ago, Ms Astor, whose third husband was Vincent Astor, was seen dancing to celebrate her 95th birthday. As head of the Astor Foundation, she over the years gave $200m to various institutions, including the New York Library. For a city that has revered her for decades, the picture of her existing in near-squalor in her Park Avenue apartment is a considerable shock.

Anthony Marshall declined comment on the suit when contacted by a reporter from the Daily News. "You said it is shocking and I agree. I don't think I should comment. It is a matter that is going to be coming up in a court of law and it should be left to the court," he said.