State Wants to Lift License of Beach Boy’s Therapist

California medical authorities want to pull the license of Beach Boy Brian Wilson’s therapist, alleging the psychologist financially exploited the eccentric songwriter.

In documents released Monday, the Board of Medical Quality Assurance accused psychologist Eugene Landy of drug violations, patient sexual abuse and “grossly negligent” conduct.

Seven causes of action were filed against Landy, Wilson’s nearly constant companion for the last five years.

The accusations largely concern Landy’s relationship with Wilson, saying multiple business relationships with Wilson caused the singer “severe emotional damage, psychological dependence and financial exploitation.”

Attorney John Mason, representing Wilson, said the accusations are false.

‘Miraculous Recovery’

“Brian Wilson has made a miraculous recovery with the help of Dr. Landy, psychologically, physically and financially. He’s in the best shape he’s ever been in his life,” Mason said.

The board said Landy abused his privileges as a psychologist by serving as Wilson’s business manager, business adviser, executive producer and co-songwriter while also serving as a therapist.

Last year, the Beach Boys formed a management advisory committee to make its business decisions. The board said that Landy used his influence over Wilson to be picked as the singer’s representative and was paid $140,000 for serving on the committee 11 months.

Also questioned was Landy’s control of Wilson’s prescription drugs for a five-year period. Psychologists are not permitted to prescribe drugs.

Medications in Cabinet

The accusation said Landy would have Wilson examined by physician Sol Samuels, who would prescribe medications that were kept in Wilson’s home in a locked cabinet. Wilson didn’t have a key, but Landy-directed assistants did.

Each morning, Landy would direct his unlicensed assistants to administer the drugs, the state said.

Landy was also accused by the board of using cocaine and amyl nitrate with an unidentified female patient to induce her to have sex with him.

Landy has said he became a virtual 24-hour guardian of the singer-songwriter to save Wilson from obesity and a dependence on drugs and alcohol that left him cloistered in a sandbox in his house for a year.

In a 1983 interview in People magazine, Landy said his staff controlled Wilson’s every moment, monitored everything he ate and drank, and recorded everything he said to discuss later.