Simone Lugner Two Years After Richard’s Passing: Inheritance Battles, Lugner City Ouster, And Her New Path In 2026

Today, August 12, 2026, marks exactly two years since the passing of Austrian construction tycoon and society icon Richard "Mörtel" Lugner. His widow, Simone Lugner (popularly known by her nickname "Bienchen"), remains at the center of media attention in Austria. As she navigates the complexities of her late husband's massive estate and her abrupt exit from his business empire, her journey continues to captivate the public.

From "Bienchen" to Legal Battles: The Fallout Over Richard Lugner’s Legacy

The fairytale wedding of Simone and Richard Lugner in June 2024 lasted only 72 days before the billionaire's death at age 91. Following his passing, the grief-stricken widow was thrust into a highly publicized conflict with other members of the Lugner dynasty. The friction quickly escalated beyond private disagreements, spilling over into the management of Vienna's famous Lugner City shopping center.

In October 2024, Simone was unexpectedly fired from her executive role at the shopping center by the board, which included Richard’s daughter, Jacqueline Lugner. Despite Richard's explicit wishes before his death that Simone would help run his life's work, the management cited restructuring as the primary reason for her dismissal. This career ouster sparked a complex legal standoff regarding employment rights and inheritance claims that has persisted into 2026.

The Ongoing Battle for the Estate

The legal disputes surrounding Richard Lugner's last will and testament are highly intricate. Under Austrian law, Simone is entitled to her statutory share of the estate. However, the valuation of the complex Lugner family private foundations (Stiftungen) and real estate holdings has led to prolonged disputes between Simone’s legal counsel and the co-heirs.

• Asset Valuations: Independent audits have run throughout 2025 and early 2026 to determine the precise value of the estate.
• The Villa Dispute: Questions regarding Simone's residency rights in the late mogul's Döbling villa remain a key point of negotiation.
• Compulsory Share Claims: Simone's legal team continues to fight for fair financial compensation following her exclusion from active company operations.

Media Spotlight and Public Support for the Austrian Widow

Despite the corporate doors of Lugner City closing on her, Simone Lugner has successfully leveraged her public profile. She remains a prominent figure in Austrian high society and a frequent guest on television and social media. Her resilience in the face of family adversity has garnered her significant public sympathy across Austria and Germany.

Rather than retreating from the spotlight, she has used her platform to keep Richard Lugner's memory alive. She regularly shares personal memories of their brief marriage and participates in commemorative events, cementing her status in the cultural fabric of Vienna. Additionally, she has redirected her professional focus toward brand partnerships and animal welfare advocacy, a cause she has long championed.

Simone Lugner’s Roadmap for Late 2026 and Beyond

As the second anniversary of Richard's passing is observed, Simone Lugner is actively transitioning away from constant legal warfare. Sources close to her suggest that she is looking to establish her own business ventures in late 2026, separate from the Lugner brand name.

While court proceedings regarding the estate distribution are expected to drag on into next year, Simone has expressed a strong desire for closure. Her primary goal is to secure her financial independence, honor her late husband’s personal legacy, and establish a stable professional identity free from the shadows of the Lugner City boardroom conflict.