Ryan Melcher posted sweet photos with his grandmother when he was a child on Facebook but claims later in life he was prevented from seeing her.
Doris Day's only grandson claims he was kept from seeing the Hollywood legend for the last 14 years of her life.
Ryan Melcher posted sweet photos with his grandmother when he was a child on Facebook but claims later in life he was prevented from seeing her.
"You see, I received the news of my grandmother’s passing like many of you — I awoke and read the news in a social media feed Monday morning," he said, adding that "due to a divorce that I was thrown into the middle of while still an underaged child, I have not been allowed to see my grandmother for quite some time."
Melcher said the manager asked why he wanted to see Day. Melcher said he responded that she was his grandmother and claims the manager said, "I'm afraid you aren't going to be able to see your grandmother.” Melcher then said, “Any and all communication was cut off from that point on and I was left bewildered.”
Inside Edition spoke with Charley Walters, who was Day's publicist. He said that Day's manager disputes Melcher's story. "He definitely doesn't remember anything about the statement that he wasn't allowed to see her and is not sure where that came from," Walters said.
"There is definitely some miscommunication and sadly that the whole story isn't being told," he continued. "I did once reach out to Ryan via his website to invite him to Doris' 90th birthday. ... I didn't hear back."
Walters said the Melcher’s allegations are upsetting. “Doris was all about being one of the most loving people I have ever met. It is unfortunate all of the drama coming out because sadly this is something that Doris had not wanted to come out because she was very private.
In Melcher's Facebook post, he did have these kind words about his early years with his grandmother: "I would go to her home every day after school and those are memories I will always cherish."
Walters said he is respecting Day’s wishes not to have a memorial service. To honor her, he said donations may be made to Doris Day Animal Foundation.
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