Beach Boys visionary Brian Wilson placed under guardianship

A California judge has ruled that Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ chief musical visionary, 81, will be placed under conservatorship following the death of his wife, who had cared for him while he struggled with a mental health disorder. neurocognitive.

On Thursday, Judge Gus T. May of the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, approved a motion filed in February by lawyers for the potential conservators after the death of Mr. Wilson’s wife of 28 years, Melinda Wilson. , which occurred in January. 30. The petition stated that a neurocognitive disorder had left Mr Wilson “unable to adequately meet his own personal physical health needs”.

The judge said in the filing that there was “clear and convincing evidence” that the conservatorship was necessary and appropriate because Mr. Wilson was “unable to care for himself” and did not have the ability to make decisions about one’s own health and medications.

He also said the evidence showed Mr Wilson had consented to the arrangement.

In a statement released in February, Mr. Wilson’s family confirmed that LeeAnn Hard, his business manager, and Jean Sievers, his publicist and manager, would serve as co-conservators, in accordance with “family processes” put in place by Mr. Wilson. . Wilson and his wife, died at their home in Beverly Hills, California.

“This decision has been made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the home, and that Brian and the children living at the home will be cared for and will remain in the home where they are cared for,” by a team that had been on a mission. stayed at home for years, the family’s statement said.

“Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends, continue to work on current projects and participate in any activities of his choosing,” the statement said.

The judge, in addition to confirming the representatives as conservatives, granted the request of two of Mr. Wilson’s seven children, Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson of the Wilson Phillips singing group, that all children be consulted on the health care decisions and be added, if desired, to consolidate texts on nurses’ updates.

In an email to The New York Times in February, Ms. Sievers said that Mr. Wilson had been diagnosed with dementia and that as co-conservator she would “ensure that all of Brian’s daily needs are met and that he continues to run a program.” active life.” She said Friday she had no further comment.

Mr. Wilson has struggled for years with mental health issues, including depression and a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, which manifested in auditory hallucinations, even while he was working on tour and in the studio as a creative force behind the Beach Boys.

His wife, whom he met in 1986, had served as his health care provider late in his life, according to court filings. They married in 1995 and adopted five children. Mr. Wilson credited it with helping him stabilize his life and career.

“Melinda was more than my wife,” Mr Wilson wrote on Instagram in January when he confirmed her death. “She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career. She encouraged me to make the music that was most important to me. She was my anchor.

Kirsten Noyes contributed to the research.