Director John Singleton’s daughter says her father is “not in a coma” and claims Singleton’s mother, Shelia Ward, is “misrepresenting” his condition, according to a new court filing.
Ward is seeking temporary conservatorship, claiming Singleton is in a coma after suffering what was characterized in court documents filed Thursday as “a major stroke” more than a week ago.
In documents filed on Friday and obtained by CNN, Singleton’s daughter, Cleopatra Singleton, opposed Ward’s request, saying her father is “not in a coma,” as Ward claimed.
“Although they do not have a concrete diagnosis, my dad is progressing every day...he is only medically sedated to keep his blood pressure low and allow the vessels in his brain to heal,” Cleopatra Singleton’s filing states.
She also claims in her filing that the filmmaker has been responding to stimuli and that a doctor has said the filmmaker could be out of the ICU in five days.
Cleopatra Singleton also opposes her grandmother’s appointment, citing a conflict of interest because Ward is her father’s “personal and business manager,” the documents state.
Ward on Thursday claimed Singleton is currently “unable to provide for his personal needs” or “manage his financial resources,” according to court papers reviewed by CNN.
A representative for Singleton has not returned CNN’s requests for comment.
Singleton’s family had previously confirmed he suffered a stroke on April 17 but did not elaborate on his condition.
Singleton, 51, who was the first black filmmaker nominated for the best director Oscar award, is known for films like “Boyz n the Hood” and “Poetic Justice.”
A show he co-created for the FX Network, “Snowfall,” was renewed last year for a third season.
