Pava-rotter! Star’s ‘niece’ who preys on high society

No other opera singer could match the late Luciano Pavarotti — neither in his 20st girth nor in his global renown. Little wonder, then, that elements of Mayfair society have hurried to meet his niece, Daniele, in London, and hear her sing, as she did at a charity ball at the legendary tramp nightclub last year.

But the fairy tale does not, alas, seem destined for a happy ending, neither for the statuesque Daniele nor for those who have befriended her.

For I can disclose that the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, dedicated to preserving Fat Lucy’s memory, has made an extraordinary public announcement on its Facebook page.

Beneath the word ‘warnIng’, it says: ‘It has come to our attention that a member of the public is claiming to be Maestro Pavarotti’s niece, when she is not.’ as if that were not damning enough, the Foundation adds: ‘on occasions she allegedly leveraged this false relationship to fraudulently obtain money and benefits.’

one of the alleged victims met Daniele at last year’s Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball, held at the grosvenor house hotel. ‘I was

impressed when Daniele told me she was Pavarotti’s niece,’ she tells me, claiming that Daniele then expressed interest in a non-operatic matter.

‘She asked me for help supplying CBD oil.’

Her new acquaintance, she claims, was staying at The Connaught. ‘So when she asked to borrow my credit card until funds came from abroad — I know it sounds stupid — I handed it over. When I got the bill it was massive. She had spent a fortune, been all over town, to Harrods and, bizarrely, a pet shop in Fulham! I couldn’t get hold of her. I’ve been through hell and have had to take a loan.’

The alleged victim reported the incident to the Met Police.

Another of Daniele’s ‘friends’ claims that she suffered similarly after lending her £2,000 in cash. Their relationship unravelled when Daniele allegedly asked for another £2,000. ‘I refused and she became very abusive. I wouldn’t have minded so much but her singing was bloody awful. Everybody used to politely listen because of the Pavarotti name.’ Daniele denies all the allegations. ‘I’ve done a lot for charity,’ she assures me. ‘I am related to Pavarotti. My mother’s maiden name was Pavarotti.’ Pavarotti, who died in 2007, left £380 million and four daughters by two wives — but no niece. The Luciano Pavarotti Foundation tells me it has reported the case to the police but declines to comment further.