- Ongoing drama around the health of Sumner Redstone resulted today in Redstone's team issuing a statement denying claims that he's incapacitated.
- A lawsuit filed by one-time girlfriend Manuela Herzer claims that he is mentally impaired and unable to make decisions in a home that has "become a de facto intensive care unit."
- The suit is challenging an Oct. 12 decision to expel Herzer from Redstone's home, and the transfer of Redstone's advance healthcare directive from Herzer to Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman.
- Herzer's suit is a "meritless action, riddled with lies, and a despicable invasion of his privacy," says Redstone's statement.
- The health of the 92-year-old media mogul has become a subject in rampant succession discussions at the two companies where he is chairman of the board: CBS (CBS +0.7%) and Viacom (VIA +1.6%, VIAB +1.9%).
- Elsewhere, FBR Capital raised its price target on Viacom to $65 on optimism about its potential breakup value. Shares in VIAB are up 1.9% to $51.86 (more than 25% upside potential in FBR's target).