The fashion world is abuzz with a scandal that’s as dramatic as any runway show: Karl Lagerfeld’s €200 million fortune has sparked a fierce legal battle, leaving his family, his entourage, and even his pampered cat in the spotlight. But here’s where it gets controversial: while his blood relatives were left with nothing, his wealth was bequeathed to his assistant, godson, and two male models—a move that’s now being fiercely contested in court. Could this be the ultimate revenge, or simply a reflection of who truly mattered to the iconic designer?
Lagerfeld, the legendary creative director of Chanel, was known for his sharp wit and unapologetic opinions. He once declared sweatpants a sign of defeat, likened his signature sunglasses to a burka, and had no qualms about dismissing people who no longer suited his vision. Yet, when it came to settling scores, his logic was chillingly clear. “Revenge is mean and horrible,” he admitted, “but if someone wrongs me, I see no reason not to strike back—even years later when they least expect it.”
And strike back he did. After his death in 2019 at age 85, it emerged that his biological family—nieces and nephews—had been entirely cut out of his will. Instead, the bulk of his fortune went to his inner circle: Sébastien Jondeau, his long-time assistant; Hudson Kroenig, his teenage godson; and models Brad Kroenig and Baptiste Giabiconi. But this is the part most people miss: an unknown plaintiff is now challenging the will, potentially redistributing the wealth to his next of kin under French inheritance law.
The intrigue doesn’t stop there. Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette, lived a life of unparalleled luxury—dining on Chinese porcelain, sleeping on Chanel garments, and even owning a Louis Vuitton handbag. Before his death, Lagerfeld ensured her future by gifting his former housekeeper, Françoise Caçote, a house and $1.5 million to care for her. “She’s like a kept woman,” he once said of Choupette. “She has lunch and dinner with me, sleeps under a pillow, and even uses an iPad.” While Choupette’s opulent lifestyle remains secure, the beneficiaries of the disputed will may not be so lucky.
But here’s the real question: Did Lagerfeld intentionally snub his family, or did he simply prioritize those who stood by him in his final years? Sabine Röthig, a Berlin-based fashion expert, notes that Jondeau was the only person who knew about Lagerfeld’s illness and was by his side until the end. “Lagerfeld wanted to disappear from the world just as he had arrived,” she said, “and that says a lot about his legacy.”
Adding to the drama, French tax authorities are disputing Lagerfeld’s claim that his primary residence was in Monaco, alleging he owes between €20 and €40 million in unpaid taxes. Meanwhile, his nieces and nephews—the children of his estranged sisters—are now at the center of the legal storm. Roger Johnson, a truck driver and one of Lagerfeld’s US-based relatives, has stated he’d likely reject any inheritance, citing their lack of a relationship. “We didn’t have a relationship,” he said bluntly.
So, what do you think? Was Lagerfeld’s will a final act of revenge, a thoughtful gesture to those who mattered most, or simply a reflection of his enigmatic personality? Is it fair for blood relatives to inherit a fortune when the deceased clearly favored others? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments below!
