Bodybuilder son of Geoffrey Edelsten says millionaire father ‘never adequately provided’ for him leading to a ‘difficult’ childhood – after suing estate when he was left just $50,000

Matthew Beard, the son of businessman Geoffrey Edelsten, has revealed his millionaire father never supported him financially. 

‘I was just never adequately provided for as a father should for his only child. However I don’t resent him in any way for this’ the bodybuilder told the Herald Sun this weekend. 

‘Life growing up for me was difficult as my father was a very famous public figure who lived a luxurious lifestyle that unfortunately I was not a part of, however we did remain in contact on a regular basis,’ Beard added. 

Last year, it was revealed that Beard was suing the estate of his late father, a former millionaire who died in dire financial straits in June 2021.

Beard inherited $50,000 after Edelsten, a disgraced doctor and notorious womaniser, died alone aged 78 in a Melbourne apartment with just $60,000 in cash to his name.

Beard lodged papers in the Victorian Supreme Court for a bigger slice of Edelsten’s assets, which are said to be worth $1million, reports the Herald Sun. 

In his submission, Beard, who received $1,000 a year until 2017 from his father, asked for money to fund his ‘education, maintenance and advancement in life’, to be paid out to him from Edelsten’s estate.

Executors of Edelsten’s will, Michael John Webb and Lindsay Lawrence Hosking, were named as co-defendants in Beard’s action. 

The 34-year-old, who has a tattoo of his late father’s surname on his torso, was also seeking costs for the court action. 

‘I was just never adequately provided for as a father should for his only child. However I don’t resent him in any way for this’ the bodybuilder said. Edelsten is pictured with former wife Brynne Gordon

The son of Isabel Beard, once Edelsten’s receptionist, Matthew was the only significant family member Edelsten recognised in the will, even though he had not seen him since he was a child.  

Beard, who has stayed out of the spotlight unlike his publicity-seeking father, is understood to have attended Edelsten’s funeral on June 16, 2021. 

It is believed he stayed in touch with Edelsten by phone over the years and was reportedly very distressed by his death.    

At the peak of his success, Edelsten owned the Sydney Swans AFL football club, travelled in helicopters and led an extravagant lifestyle.

Edelsten left nothing to his two most recent ex-wives, American socialite Brynne Edelsten and former escort Gabi Grecko.

According to the will, Edelsten claimed they had received ‘substantial and excessive provision’ during their marriages.

Beard inherited $50,000 after Edelsten, a disgraced doctor and notorious womaniser, died alone aged 78 in a Melbourne apartment with just $60,000 in cash to his name