Family Feud Turns into Legal Action at Marriott

John Marriott III, the son of executive chairman Bill Marriott, says that the actions of both his father and uncle have driven him into penury.

A family feud involving one of the hospitality industry’s biggest names has turned into a lawsuit, the Washingtonian reports. It has emerged that John Marriott III has accused both his father, Bill Marriott, the company’s executive chairman, and his uncle, Richard Marriott, of pushing him out of the family-run business.

The action was filed last Thursday in Washington, D.C. The suit alleges that Bill Marriott’s actions stem from his son’s divorce from his wife, which took place against his father’s wishes. The Marriott family are members of the Mormon religion, which dissuades followers from divorcing.

Commenting on the action to the outlet, John said, “This is really tough. To sue my dad and my uncle is the last thing I want to do […] Since the divorce, my dad has tried to take away everything that I’ve earned […] basically to punish me for not maintaining the image of the perfect Mormon family.”

The suit outlines John’s relationship with his immediate family, which, at times, appears to have been troubled. He has also admitted to struggling with anxiety as well as with drug and alcohol abuse. During his time with Marriott, John was president of North American lodging as well as executive vice president of sales and marketing.

He departed the company in 2006 and turned his attention to another venture, JWM Family Enterprises. This business, he says, saved Marriott billions in estate taxes.

In 2014, John informed his parents that he was getting a divorce. When informed, his father reportedly, “told [John], repeatedly and in ominous tones, ‘You’re leaving the family.’” It was at this point, John says, that he was denied access to his assets and that his father threatened to reveal his struggles with drugs and alcohol.

John claims that his father’s actions have resulted in him incurring millions in losses annually. He says that, due to the feud, he has no contact with his siblings or his mother.

Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson for Bill and Richard Marriott stated, “We have not yet read the complaint. The allegations of which we are aware at this time are untrue.”

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