Late Hong Kong singer Coco Lee and her estranged husband Bruce Rockowitz tied the knot in 2011. Photo: Coco Lee/Facebook
Hong Kong singer Coco Lee's estranged husband, Canadian businessman Bruce Rockowitz, has addressed the rumours of him fighting over her estate.
On July 10, Rockowitz was reported to have sought legal help to challenge Lee's decision to leave HK$150mil (RM87.4mil) in properties to her mother and two sisters, Carol and Nancy.
When asked about this, Nancy told the media: "I am not Bruce Rockowitz. He needs to be asked directly."
In a statement published today (July 28), Rockowitz, who's in his mid-60s, refuted the accusations against him – saying that such "malicious" and "defamatory" remarks have damaged the reputation and privacy of him and his family.
"Coco and I have maintained financial independence after marriage. I respect all arrangements Coco has made regarding her personal assets.
"I have never and will never involve myself in any matters relating to the distribution of Coco's estate," he wrote.
Rockowitz added that he had entrusted a law firm to take legal action against those who refuse to delete or continue to spread false statements.
"I am once again requesting for everyone to respect objectivity, abide by the laws and regulations, and respect others' privacy.
"Let's reject any behaviour aimed at creating controversies solely for the purpose of gaining attention and continue extending our condolences to Coco," he wrote.
Lee died on July 5 following a suicide attempt on July 2. She was 48.
On Wednesday (July 26), her family unveiled the list of pallbearers at the late singer's funeral service scheduled for July 31. Rockowitz was not among them.
Hong Kong's Oriental Daily also reported that Nancy and Carol had chosen the portrait for the funeral – which showed Lee in a dress in her favourite white colour.
The report added that Lee's family visited Rockowitz's home to retrieve her gowns, which she had left behind when she moved out two years ago.
They managed to get back six to seven gowns, but not the white dress which they had hoped to use for her funeral.
Lee tied the knot with Rockowitz in 2011.
