ANNA NICOLE SMITH is refusing to comment on the death of her courtroom adversary E PIERCE MARSHALL, who died last week (20JUN06) after developing an aggressive infection. The 38-year-old former model married billionaire J HOWARD MARSHALL in 1994 when she was aged 26 and he was 89. His 1995 death triggered a decade-long legal battle between Smith and her stepson Pierce Marshall over the late oil tycoon’s estate. Despite press probes, Smith has refused to divulge how she will be pursuing her claim. A statement on her website reads: "I am aware that my late husband’s son E Pierce Marshall has died. "The media has been contacting my attorneys in an attempt to get my reaction. Out of respect for his family’s request for privacy, neither my attorneys nor I will be making any comments." Only last month (MAY06), the US Supreme Court awarded ANNA NICOLE SMITH the right to continue her legal battle in pursuit of her late husband’s fortune. Pierce Marshall disputed Smith’s claims her husband had intended to bequeath half his estate to her, insisting the $6 million (GBP3.5 million) worth of gifts she accumulated during the 14-month marriage was all she was entitled too.
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