The man who sued Liberace for the first same-sex palimony in U.S. history

Cultures · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Scott Thorson’s life was a whirlwind of Hollywood glamour and legal drama. From driving a Rolls-Royce onstage for Liberace to becoming a key witness in the Wonderland murders, his complicated relationship with the legendary pianist sparked a landmark legal battle that changed the landscape of American law.

Scott Thorson’s relationship with the pianist Liberace began in 1976 when Thorson was 17. By age 18, he was hired as a personal companion, a role that allegedly included a five-year romantic relationship involving lavish gifts and travel. Thorson claimed he even underwent plastic surgery to better resemble the entertainer, a detail he later confirmed during a 2002 interview with Larry King. He reportedly claimed that the musician had introduced him to Michael Jackson during the late 1970s. Thorson also alleged that he had a six-year affair with the pop star around the release of the Thriller album.

The relationship ended amidst allegations of drug addiction and financial abandonment. In 1982, Thorson filed a $113 million lawsuit against Liberace, which included the first same-sex palimony suit in United States history. While Liberace denied being homosexual and dismissed Thorson as a 'gold digger,' the case was settled out of court in 1986. Thorson received a $95,000 cash settlement, along with three cars and three pet dogs, a package valued at $279,000 in today's currency. The legal dispute arose after Thorson was dismissed by the pianist. He sought damages because he claimed the entertainer left him destitute on the streets.

Thorson's life remained turbulent long after the settlement. In 1989, he entered the federal witness protection program after testifying in the prosecution of Eddie Nash regarding the 1981 Wonderland murders. His later years were marked by legal struggles involving burglary and drug charges, as well as health battles with hepatitis C and stage II cancer. Thorson passed away on August 16, 2024, at age 65, due to heart disease and cancer. His legal troubles included a prison sentence for burglary and drug offences. He also faced various probation violations following failed drug tests.

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