Judge Halts Estate Distributions in Tony! Toni! Toné! Dispute

A judge has intervened in an escalating legal battle over the estate of D'Wayne Wiggins, a member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, issuing a temporary order that freezes all distributions from the late musician's assets.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the order prohibits the estate from transferring money to any third parties, including donations to Wiggins' foundation, scholarships, and other grants. The estate is estimated to be worth approximately $700,000, according to the musician's daughter, Ilahn Wiggins.

At the center of the dispute is Veleta Savannah, Wiggins' cousin, who asserts she was designated as trustee of both the estate and trust. Savannah has filed legal documents defending her position, claiming that Wiggins underwent a medical evaluation before his death that found him mentally competent.

In her court filings, Savannah maintains that the examining physician determined Wiggins was alert and capable of managing his own affairs or directing others to handle them on his behalf. She further claims the doctor concluded Wiggins did not require assistance with financial management or similar life decisions.

According to Savannah's account, Wiggins executed a new will and trust the day following this medical evaluation. However, other family members have challenged this timeline and the circumstances surrounding the document signing.

Family members opposing Savannah's claims argue that Wiggins was under heavy medication at the time he allegedly signed the new estate documents, rendering him incapable of making legally binding decisions. Ilahn Wiggins has expressed skepticism about the validity of a will purportedly signed shortly before her father's death.

The family has raised concerns that medication may have impaired Wiggins' mental state during the signing. Savannah has consistently rejected these allegations, pointing to the medical evaluation as evidence supporting her position.

Tony! Toni! Toné! achieved significant commercial success during the 1990s with hits including "It Never Rains (In Southern California)" and "If I Had No Loot." The group was known for blending R&B, soul, and funk influences.

The legal proceedings continue as the court weighs the competing claims regarding the validity of the estate documents and Wiggins' mental capacity at the time of their execution. The temporary order remains in effect pending further court action.