A longstanding family dispute surrounding the legacy of actor Robert Blake has intensified amid controversy over a dinner-theater production linked to the site of his late wife’s death. Robert Blake, known for his role in the film "In Cold Blood," was accused of fatally shooting his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, outside Vitello’s restaurant in Studio City, California, in 2001. Although acquitted of murder charges in 2005, Blake was later found liable for Bakley’s death in a civil lawsuit.
The current dispute centers on a fictional murder mystery called "A Killer Night in Studio City," which opened at Vitello’s last Tuesday. The production, set in 1958, is directed and headlined by Noah Blake, Robert Blake’s son. Noah’s half-sister, Rose Lenore Blake, who is also Bakley’s daughter, publicly criticized the play, expressing discomfort with its subject matter given the family history. However, Rose later said she felt compelled to withdraw her opposition, alleging that Noah threatened to expose aspects of her personal struggles to the media.
In a TikTok video, Rose shared text messages purportedly from Noah, in which he warned that he would defend himself against attempts to portray him negatively, saying: “If you want to try to make me look like a bad guy, I will have to go and defend myself, and I will use whatever I need to.” Rose described the situation as involving “threats and blackmail,” which influenced her decision to step back from the public dispute.
Noah Blake responded by emphasizing that the play is entirely fictional and bears no connection to the real events involving his father and mother. He acknowledged that staging the production at Vitello’s was a deliberate choice but framed it as a therapeutic act aimed at creating something positive and joyful in a place otherwise marked by tragedy. He also expressed a willingness to engage in direct dialogue with Rose to address her concerns, noting that he had made repeated attempts to discuss the matter privately. Noah expressed regret that Rose chose to voice her objections publicly and reiterated that the offer to communicate remains open.
The clash underscores the ongoing emotional complexities for the Blake family as they navigate the shadow of a highly publicized and tragic chapter in their history.