The spokeswoman for Robin Williams' family debunked widespread reports Wednesday that the comedian, who died Monday in a suspected suicide, had serious money troubles.
"Reports suggesting Robin may have had financial issues are simply false," Mara Buxbaum — who was also Williams' publicist — said in an email to NBC News. "I understand people's desire to try to understand this, but we would encourage your focus be on working to help others and understand depression."
Williams' 640-acre estate in California's Napa Valley — a working farm commissioned in the early 2000s and named Villa Sorriso, or Villa of Smiles — had been listed for sale for $29.9 million since April. Exactly one year before his death, Williams told Parade magazine that one of the reasons he was selling it and returning to TV in a CBS sitcom was that "there are bills to pay" after his two divorces. "Divorce is expensive," he said. "I used to joke they were going to call it 'all the money,' but they changed it to 'alimony.' It's ripping your heart out through your wallet.'"
IN-DEPTH
- Deadly Stigma: Robin Williams' Suicide Exposes Silent Epidemic
- Robin Williams' Kids Mourn Dad: 'World Will Never Be The Same'
- ‘You Were Loved’: Nation Pays Tribute to Late Robin Williams