After NSƯT Vu Linh passed away on March 5, 2023, his family quickly had an inheritance dispute between Ms. Hong Nhung (ie, NSƯT Vu Linh's younger sister, Hong Phuong's biological mother), singer Hong Phuong and Hong Loan. The case lasted for 3 years, becoming one of the disputes attracting attention in the art world.
Immediately after the funeral, the conflict began from issues related to funeral expenses, media contracts and asset management rights of Hong Phuong and Hong Loan's families. Because Hong Loan believed that these amounts of money were not made public clearly.
After that, the parties made many opposing statements, attracting public attention.
In April 2023, Hong Loan carried out procedures to declare inheritance at the notary office. This move was met with opposition from Ms. Hong Nhung, who said that the establishment of inheritance rights was incomplete and needed to be reconsidered. The dispute then focused on the house at No. 5 Doan Thi Diem street (HCMC) - an asset considered the focus of the lawsuit.
In June 2023, the Phu Nhuan District People's Court officially accepted the case. The plaintiff is Ms. Hong Nhung, requesting the cancellation of the declaration of inheritance and requesting the division of assets according to the provisions of law. From here, the family conflict officially turned into legal dispute.
Throughout 2023 - 2024, the parties continuously presented evidence and made many opposing statements. One of the major controversial contents is the determination of Hong Loan's inheritance status, including the legal adopted child element and related documents.
At the first-instance trial in early 2025, the court determined that Hong Loan was the legal adopted daughter of Meritorious Artist Vu Linh, belonging to the first line of inheritance. Accordingly, Hong Loan enjoyed 85% of the inheritance. However, the court also decided to divide 15% of the assets to Ms. Hong Nhung because she had contributed to taking care of the family and artist Vu Linh for a long time.
Hong Loan then filed an appeal, arguing that the division of 15% of assets to Ms. Hong Nhung was not in accordance with legal regulations and exceeded the initial scope of the lawsuit.
By June 2025, the appellate trial was opened but had to be postponed due to the absence of some related people, causing the settlement process to continue to be prolonged. During this time, the parties still maintained their views and did not reach a consensus.
According to the latest information, the appellate trial is expected to be reopened on April 22. The outcome of this trial is expected to clarify the remaining contents of disputes, and at the same time issue a final ruling for the prolonged lawsuit.
