Erik von Detten, best known for his role in The Princess Diaries and several Disney projects, faces serious allegations in a new lawsuit. An elderly California couple claims the former actor and his employer steered them into gold investments. They allege that the investments cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars. The couple accuses von Detten and precious-metals company Rosland Capital of fraud and elder financial abuse. The allegations have not been proven in court.
How Erik von Detten reportedly became involved in the couple’s gold investments
According to the Los Angeles Times, Sheila Greenberg, 85, and her husband, Norman Greenberg, 97, filed the lawsuit in May. According to court documents the outlet reviewed, the couple spent more than $2.1 million on gold coins through Rosland Capital.
The Greenbergs reportedly contacted the company in 2020 after seeing one of its television advertisements. When they requested a top adviser, the company allegedly connected them with von Detten, an account representative.
According to the lawsuit, the couple told von Detten they knew little about precious metals. They wanted guidance from an experienced adviser. They also disclosed that their combined traditional IRA accounts held more than $2 million. The lawsuit alleges that von Detten encouraged them to follow his recommendations.
The Greenbergs claim they eventually transferred their retirement funds into a gold IRA. The couple allegedly paid $2,146,958.22 for the coins. According to the lawsuit, the coins were worth roughly $1.36 million at the time. The couple also claims von Detten later persuaded them to invest another $114,000 through a family trust.
Meanwhile, People reports that the Greenbergs are seeking at least $900,000 in alleged losses, along with additional damages. Rosland Capital filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July.
Von Detten largely stepped away from acting years ago and has since kept a lower profile, including in his personal life with wife Angela von Detten.
The former Disney star has not publicly responded to the allegations. A court conference in the case is reportedly scheduled for November 9.
