Harry Belafonte sues MLK estate

Harry Belafonte sued the estate of Martin Luther King Jr. on Tuesday.

The lawsuit is an attempt to receive documents the legendary singer claims that he secured through his relationship with the late civil rights leader.

"Dr. King was a regular guest at Mr. Belafonte's Manhattan apartment: he worked, socialized and rested there," the suit says. "Not surprisingly, during their long time together, Mr. Belafonte came to own documents associated with Dr. King and his widow."

The documents, in question, include King's 1967 speech against Vietnam, notes from an undelivered speech that King carried when he was assassinated, and a condolence letter that then-President Lyndon Johnson sent to King's wife, Coretta Scott King.

According to the lawsuit, Belafonte attempted to auction the items in 2008 before being blocked by the MLK estate.

The auction company, Sotheby's Inc., has held the items and is waiting for a resolution between both parties.

Belafonte believes the items are worth more than $1.3 million and hopes to donate the proceeds to charity.