Simone Lugner celebrates 44th birthday amid bitter legal battle over late husband's estate

Simone Lugner marked her 44th birthday with a small celebration at her Vienna studio, Körperglanz & Shapeline. The event came amid an ongoing legal battle with the Lugner family over her late husband's estate. Friends and supporters gathered for an evening of music, plant-based food, and well-wishes.

The guest list included long-time ally Heribert Kasper, who once considered himself close to Mausi Lugner but now no longer speaks to her after a failed mediation. Also in attendance were professional dancer Herby Stanonik, singer Bea Turin, and reality TV personality Johannes Höfinger from Farmer Wants a Wife. The menu reflected Lugner's vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, while Lydia, a close friend, performed a song accompanied by Mister Austria Christopher Dengg.

The birthday fell during a tense legal dispute. The Lugner Privatstiftung is pursuing an eviction lawsuit against Simone, questioning whether her marriage to Richard Lugner—solemnised in June 2024, just two months before his death—was genuine. The foundation also disputes whether she fulfilled her contractual care duties. Witness testimonies, including that of the housekeeper (who claimed Lugner visited the Döblinger Villa only once or twice a week) and Jacqueline Lugner (who testified on 20 March 2026 about the alleged sham marriage), have already been heard. Simone's own testimony, initially set for December 2025, was postponed, and no judgment has yet been issued. Lydia, summoned as a witness, has stated she will remain neutral in her testimony. Meanwhile, Lugner expressed her hope for good health as her greatest wish. She expects the legal matter to be resolved by May, though no specific steps or filings have been made on her side so far.

The birthday gathering offered a brief respite from the courtroom tensions. With witness hearings ongoing and a decision still pending, the case hinges on whether the marriage was valid and whether Lugner met her obligations. The outcome will determine her future in the contested Döblinger Villa.