Sting Says Inheritance Can ‘Abuse’ Children
Sting has explained why he does not plan to leave his reported $550 million fortune to his children, arguing that unearned wealth can do more harm than good. The former Police frontman, who shares six children with his wife Trudie Styler, addressed the topic while discussing work ethic and personal responsibility.
In an interview clip, Sting said, “I felt that telling children they don’t have to work is a form of abuse that I hope I’m never guilty of,” and he made the remarks while speaking with CBS Sunday Morning.
Sting added that his children have developed what he described as an “extraordinary work ethic,” and said he has encouraged them to work while he covers key expenses like education. He also framed the approach as “kindness” and “trust” that they will make their own way, insisting it is not about being cruel.
The comments arrived amid ongoing discussion of his career and future plans, following earlier Alternative Nation coverage in which he admitted he feels uncertain about retirement as he continues to take on new projects.
Sting’s stance adds to a broader, recurring conversation among major artists about inheritance and responsibility, and it underscores how he says he has tried to separate his extraordinary earnings from the expectations he has set for his family.
