Mickey Rooney sues stepson for elder abuse

Mickey Rooney has filed a lawsuit for elder abuse and fraud against his stepson Christopher Aber.

The Hollywood icon alleges in court papers that he was falsely told by Christopher, daughter-in-law Christina and others that his fortune had been lost.

Rooney said that Christopher routinely claimed that the actor would lose his house and medical benefits if he did not continue to work.

Christopher is also accused of applying for credit cards in Rooney's name and running up thousands of dollars in charges.

Rooney said in court filings: "While Chris instilled fear in Mickey and kept him in poverty, Chris took advantage of his unfettered access to Mickey's income. Chris consistently paid himself a generous salary from Mickey's earnings, took 'advances' on his salary, and spent Mickey's money as if it were his own."

Christopher dismissed the validity of the suit, telling The AP: "This lawsuit is not from Mickey Rooney - it's from his conservators who are stealing from him."

Rooney was granted a restraining order against Christopher in February when he claimed that his stepson had abused him.

In March, Rooney testified before the US Senate committee on elder abuse and called for better laws to protect senior citizens.

Watch Mickey Rooney testify before the Senate below: