Lawsuit ‘baseless’, says head of Angel’s Envy

The head of Angel’s Envy Bourbon – who is being sued by his 71-year-old mother – has responded to allegations of money pilfering, saying they are “baseless and defamatory”.

Wesley Henderson, left, and his late father Lincoln Henderson

Wesley Henderson, who oversaw the Angel’s Envy takeover by Bacardi following the death of his father and co-founder Lincoln Henderson, is hitting back at claims made by his mother after she filed a lawsuit against him on Monday.

Cecilia Henderson accuses her son of denying her some of the proceeds from the Bacardi takeover in March, which she claims is in direct contradiction to the wishes of her late husband, who set up the Bourbon producer with Wesley in 2006.

Through his spokesperson Bob Gunnel, Wesley Henderson said on Wednesday that the allegations contained “numerous inaccuracies and misinterpretations”.

Saying the claims seemed to be “influenced by by outsiders looking to capitalise on the family’s recent success”, he described aspects of the lawsuit as “baseless and defamatory”.

“Since the time of his father’s passing Wes has been working to ensure that the successes of the company continue well in to the future. Wes has remained committed to resolving any issues with his mother and providing for her future,” his spokesperson said.

The fracas centres around the late Lincoln Henderson’s shares in the company, and the money his estate would have received following the sale of Angel’s Envy brand to Bacardi.

Cecilia Henderson argues that Lincoln’s “estimated 4%-5% share” was intended to be left to her after his death, and it has been “effectively stolen” by her son, according to court documents filed by her legal team.

She also claims that Wesley “has stated to others his intent to purchase exotic luxury cars and vacation homes” with the money he received from the sale of the brand – one of many allegations that Wesley argues is defamatory.

“Mrs Henderson deeply regrets having to file a lawsuit against her own son, but she must protect Lincoln’s wishes and her own rights”, her legal team said.

The case continues.