9/03/2008

Oprah's Mom Sued For $155K

I guess because I'm not a die hard Oprah fan, I have never heard anything about her mother up until now. Although the news isn't good, it's still news to report. Oprah's mother, Vernita Lee, is being sued by a high-end fashion store over a past due bill of more than $150,000.

According to the civil complaint (obtained by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel), Lee, a Milwaukee resident, has had an open-ended charge account with Valentina Inc. since January 2004. As of July 1, she has racked up a bill of $155,547.31 in purchases and interest, according to the complaint. (Lee was required to make a minimum monthly payment of $2,000 to the store, the paper reports.)

Valentina attorney Joseph Niebler, Sr., told the Sentinel that at some point Lee stopped making the monthly payments. He added that the store had tried to resolve the bill before filing the lawsuit and continues to pursue a resolution out of court. The store is asking for full payment plus interest, the complaint says. (Lee has until a Sept. 19 hearing to answer it.)

"There isn't any ill will, it's a matter of contract," Niebler told the Sentinel.

Lee has hired three attorneys to prove she doesn't owe the bill, according to the Sentinel, but when reached by telephone, she declined to comment.

Oprah and Lee lived in Milwaukee during part of Oprah's childhood.

1 comment:

Miz Cheekz said...

true story: i'm on my couch listening to the news & catching up on my blog reading & Fox 5 mentions the story about O's mama being sued. I thought to myself - O's mama is still alive? and then i come across the story on your blog. i'm glad i ain't the only one who had no idea O's mama was out there. i wonder if they are estranged or something?