Former Disney Star Erik von Detten Sued for $900K in Elder Abuse and Fraud Claims

Key points

• Norman Greenberg, 97, and Sheila Greenberg, 85, filed suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on May 11, 2026, against von Detten and Rosland Capital.
• The couple alleges they spent approximately $2.1 million on gold coins, including two Lady Liberty coins, which they claim are worth only $1.3 million.
• Plaintiffs seek $900,000 in damages plus punitive damages, citing violations of California's Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty.
• The lawsuit claims von Detten, who has worked for Rosland Capital since 2018, exploited the couple's financial fears by promoting gold as a stable investment.
• Rosland Capital filed for bankruptcy months after the lawsuit was filed, and the case is pending before Judge Bradley S. Phillips with a conference scheduled for November 9.

Background

Erik von Detten, known for roles in 'The Princess Diaries' and 'Toy Story,' stepped away from acting in the early 2000s to pursue a career in finance, stating in a 2021 interview that acting income was inconsistent. This lawsuit follows a pattern of legal issues involving former child stars, such as the recent detention of Jonathan Taylor Thomas in September 2026, though the nature of the allegations differs significantly.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and USA Today confirm the core allegations and financial figures, noting the couple contacted Rosland Capital after a 2020 commercial. USA Today provides specific legal details, including the five claims filed and the judge assigned. The Daily Beast emphasizes the shock value of a beloved child star being accused of elder abuse. TMZ's source was inaccessible, but Page Six cites it as the origin of the initial report. All outlets agree that von Detten's representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Why it matters

The case highlights potential vulnerabilities in financial products marketed to seniors, particularly precious metals sales that may involve high markups and storage fees. It also underscores the legal risks for celebrities who transition into finance, where their public trust can be leveraged in ways that may constitute elder abuse or fraud.

What to watch

The case management conference is scheduled for November 9, 2026. The outcome will depend on whether the plaintiffs can prove intentional misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty, especially given Rosland Capital's bankruptcy, which may complicate recovery of damages.