Heath Ledger...ReliaStar Insurance scam. PR strategy, bad!

ING financial services robs children of their legacies...



Everyone was shocked by the untimely death of actor Heath Ledger, especially in view of the fact mysterious intrigues surrounded his life, in the final hours.

After much wrangling, it's my understanding that the family agreed Mr. Ledger's three-year old daughter (Matilda Rose) should inherit the estate.

However, on the heels of his death, ReliaStar Insurance is balking at the prospect of paying out a life insurance policy to the young heiress in the sum of $10 million.

Although a New York Coroner's report found that Ledger died from accidental causes, representatives of ReliaStar are seeking to void the policy on the grounds that under the terms and conditions, the carrier is entitled to contest payment until it determines whether the actor acted in bad faith and/or committed suicide.

Since the New York Coroner's office issued a finding that the death was due to accidental causes - Ledger's legal counsel are accusing the carrier of engaging in stalling and delaying tactics - in a deceitful effort to "hold on" to the money longer.

In a counter argument, ReliaStar has hinted that Ledger may have not been forthcoming with regard to information he provided on the application for the policy.

In view of the fact Ledger made payments on the policy for over two years before he passed away several months ago - and no questions were raised during that time frame when the actor was alive- it does beg at least one question.


Why is are they contesting the facts now?

In my opinion, ReliaStar is making a big public relations mistake.

To snatch away the inheritance of a three-year old will obviously not bode well for their company.


By the way, is "relia" short form for "reliable", I wonder?

If so, how ironic!

Once the glaring spotlight falls on this "unreliable" insurance carrier - a division of the Dutch Financial Services "biggie" ING - I expect American consumers will turn away from their policies in droves.

Yup, ReliaStar is on the verge of a public relations disaster.

I'm hedging my bets on the "kid".

How 'bout you?