THE NEWTONS’ RESPONSE…
Wayne and Kathleen Newton released the following statement late Thursday:
They said they partnered with Lacy & Dorothy Harber and Geneva Clark and Steve Kennedy to own, construct and operate the Wayne Newton Museum and tour of Case de Shenandoah in June of 2010.
"At the beginning of 2011, the Newton’s and Sacred Land LLC became aware of and began to complain of numerous breaches of contract and mismanagement by Steve Kennedy and CSD, LLC.
The Newton’s allegations have included, but are not limited to, failure to provide financial statements for a year and a half, failure to obtain building permits prior to construction, which caused the Fire Department to shut down construction on the Visitor Welcome Center, failure to consult with Wayne Newton, failure to construct proper buildings for the health of the animals and for the viewing pleasure of the public, failing to build the Museum and Performance Theater, constant bullying and threatening of employees, spending exorbitant amounts of money and failing to hire a marketing director and operations team. After a year and a half of failed attempts to have Steve Kennedy and CSD rectify the mismanagement and breaches of contract, it became painfully obvious to the Newtons and Sacred Land that the only avenue left open was to commence litigation against CSD, LLC, Steve Kennedy, CSD Management, LLC, DLH, LLC and the Harbers.
The attorneys for the Newtons and Sacred Land informed the Plaintiffs business attorneys that the lawsuit was forthcoming.
The lawsuit filed today by the Plaintiffs is nothing more than a salacious, meritless attempt to deflect the Newtons forthcoming lawsuit. In fact, CSD Management partner and 50% owner Geneva Clark refused to be a part of this lawsuit.
Casa de Shenandoah has been featured in numerous national and international television programs and feature films. In 2008 it was named one of the top 5 homes in the country, which included the White House. Wayne Newton has been named the top breeder of Arabian Horses in the world and has received accolade after accolade for his Arabian Horse Herd. Rulers of other countries have purchased Wayne Newton bred and owned Arabian Horses.
Through the years, thousands of people have had the great pleasure of visiting Wayne Newton’s home and seeing his animals. To allege that the condition of Casa de Shenandoah and his treatment of animals has been anything less than exemplary is false and absurd. Also absurd is the naming of Mr. Newton’s 76 year old mother-in-law in this suit.
The Newtons and Sacred Land are represented by Stephen Peek of Holland & Hart who states “My clients are looking forward to presenting the true facts of this case, including the mismanagement and breach of contract by Steve Kennedy. This is nothing more than a preemptive effort on the part of the Plaintiffs to intimidate the Newtons for their own benefit.
The sexual harassment accusation contained in the complaint is completely fabricated by a terminated female barn employee. There is absolutely no basis infact and the attempt to obtain financial gain was previously unconditionally rejected by Mr. Newton. The Newtons are represented by Anthony Glassman of Glassman, Browning, Saltsman & Jacobs, Inc in Beverly Hills, CA. on the harassment accusation. To date no complaint has been on filed on the former barn employee’s behalf."
