Hackman Estate Faces Unexpected Debt Claims

Unpaid Bills Surface After Legendary Actor’s Death

The estates of **Gene Hackman** and his late wife, **Arakawa Betsy**, are facing unexpected claims for unpaid debts, despite the couple’s considerable fortune. These debts have emerged following their deaths, adding a layer of complexity to the distribution of their assets.

Citibank Claim

Court documents reveal that Citibank has filed a claim against **Gene Hackman**’s estate for over $98,000. The debt is reportedly due to an outstanding balance on a MasterCard account. This claim adds to the financial complexities surrounding the settlement of the estate.

Additional Debt for Arakawa Betsy

**Arakawa Betsy**’s estate also faces a debt, amounting to $4,329.75. The combined debts for both estates total over $102,000, presenting an unexpected challenge for those managing the distribution of their assets.

Estate Details

**Hackman** and **Arakawa**’s combined property is estimated at $80 million. In March, details of their wills emerged, with reports indicating that the actor’s son had hired a prominent lawyer. The legal counsel was retained in connection with a potential battle over the inheritance, foreshadowing possible disputes among beneficiaries.

Health Challenges and Recent Deaths

**Gene Hackman**, 95, suffered from Alzheimer’s in his later years. His wife, **Arakawa Betsy**, cared for him, but she contracted an illness and passed away shortly before him. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2024, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the United States $360 billion (Alzheimer’s Association).

Private Ceremony

The couple was buried in a private ceremony in April. This intimate service concluded their shared journey, yet the complexities surrounding their estate continue to unfold in the public sphere.

Looking Ahead

Despite these debts, the overall estate remains substantial. The legal proceedings to settle these claims and distribute the remaining assets are expected to continue in the coming months. It remains to be seen how these financial obligations will affect the final distribution to heirs.