Levon Helm’s Daughter Countersues Levon Helm Studios
She claims her successor seized control of the iconic music venue through improper means
In October, Amy Helm, daughter of the late Levon Helm, filed a countersuit against Levon Helm Studios, alleging that the studio's successor, Brian Parillo, used invalid corporate actions to gain control of the venue in Woodstock, New York. Amy Helm, who was previously removed as president by Sandra Helm, her stepmother and Levon's widow, claims that Parillo obtained control through fraudulent means.
In her 34-page complaint filed in state Supreme Court, Amy alleges that Parillo used invalid voting assignments to gain control of LHS, despite owning only 10% of the company's shares. According to the lawsuit, Parillo claimed voting assignments from Sandra Helm and O'Brien, giving himself a purported 60% control of the company's voting power.
Amy's attorneys argue that LHS's certificate of incorporation requires all shareholders to sign written consents for corporate actions taken without a meeting. Parillo allegedly excluded Amy from LHS management and declared himself as the company's director, president, secretary, and treasurer. Amy further alleges that she never consented to the change in management, no shareholder meeting was held, and that Parillo's takeover is void.
The complaint also alleges that Parillo obtained Sandra Helm's signature on shareholder consents to remove Amy as a director and replace himself in the position. The lawsuit claims that Parillo's actions are an example of "undue influence" over Sandra Helm, citing a sworn affirmation in a separate dispute over the late Levon Helm's estate.
Sandra Helm, described as "a person under disability" in a July order from Ulster County Surrogate's Court, was appointed a guardian ad litem in the estate proceeding.
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