A sensational legal battle is unfolding in Las Vegas, pitting a former strip club performer against the family of her octogenarian lover over a contested fortune of more than £1.5 million.
Melanie Sterling, 47, has filed a lawsuit against the estate of the late Robert O'Rourke, an 86-year-old retired bar owner with whom she shared a relationship. Court documents reveal that Sterling claims O'Rourke verbally promised her the substantial sum for her future care and for relocating to be closer to him.
A Relationship Forged in a Vegas Club
The pair first met in 2017 at the Palomino Club, where Sterling was employed. Their association quickly evolved from a performer-patron dynamic into a close personal relationship that lasted until O'Rourke's death. Sterling's lawsuit contends that she provided him with companionship and care, becoming his "primary emotional support."
The Heart of the Controversy
The central claim hinges on an alleged oral agreement. Sterling asserts that O'Rourke, recognising her dedication, pledged the multi-million-pound sum to ensure her financial security. The defence, led by O'Rourke's granddaughter and executor of his estate, Kelly O'Rourke, vehemently denies these allegations.
In a robust countermove, the family has filed a motion to dismiss the case. They brand Sterling's claims as "fantastical" and accuse her of attempting to exploit an vulnerable elderly man. Court filings from the family suggest Sterling engaged in "calculated manipulation" to insert herself into O'Rourke's financial affairs.
A Tale of Two Stories
The case presents two starkly different narratives. Sterling portrays herself as a devoted companion who was promised a gift of gratitude. The estate paints a picture of a predatory opportunist seeking to loot the life savings of an ageing man.
This dramatic clash is set to play out in a Nevada probate court, where a judge will be tasked with determining the validity of an alleged deathbed promise amidst accusations of coercion and greed.
