Vernita Lee, Oprah Winfrey's Mom, Countersues Store For Its $156K Bill

MILWAUKEE — Oprah Winfrey's mother says she shouldn't have to pay a nearly $156,000 debt to a high-end fashion store because store officials shouldn't have extended credit to her.

Valentina Inc. alleges that Vernita Lee of Milwaukee racked up $155,547 in purchases and interest as of July 1. The company sued, saying Lee fell behind in minimum monthly payments of $2,000.

Lee filed a counterclaim Friday contending that Valentina took advantage of her "lack of knowledge, ability, and-or capacity" when creating her credit account.

Court papers say Lee resolved a 2002 case with the company over a $175,000 bill. The resolution prohibited Valentina from extending further credit to her.

A message left for Valentina co-owner Tony Chirchirillo was not returned Tuesday.

Comments

[CrabbyGolightly]

12:21 AM on 10/06/2008

So what's a poor glutton to do?

We think the right thing is to help the downtrodden -- before they trod on you. Especially if that means helping the woman who begat Oprah, one of the world's most insatiable consumer appetites. Who, in turn, feeds America's consumerist culture, for which publishers and producers of luxe lines fall daily to their knees to give thanks.

So if you have a few dollars to spare, let's all show our appreciation for one of the machines that makes America's mighty engine roar. At this time of national need, let's save Oprah the expense of paying her momma's debt. Let's -- God help us -- carry her weight. To those of you who can, send even a few dollars to help 'Bail Out Oprah's Mom. You can send your contribution to Valentina, C/O Joseph Niebler, N14W23833 Stone Ridge Drive, Suite 350, Waukesha, WI 53188.

The future president of the USA, whomever he might be, and Oprah, will thank you.
CrabbyGolightly.com

[maxfax]

04:54 PM on 10/05/2008

Oprah couldn't find it in her heart to support her mother with a yearly allowance, after all the money she's made for herself?

It would be the least she could do, whether she liked her or not. How about some forgiveness if she doesn't.

Oprah and WFBuckley have a lot in common.

[toocoldout]

07:11 PM on 10/05/2008

Oprah gives her mom tons of money. That's how her mom got into this mess in the first place. She became addicted to shopping at expensive stores as a result of all the money Oprah sends her.

[kid5rivers2]

08:27 PM on 10/05/2008

I take it you mind your mom?

[hypnotoad72]

03:09 PM on 10/05/2008

Amusing.

Remind me to ask the perch to tell the eagle not to each him because the eagle could have found some worms instead...

[Bystander]

03:08 PM on 10/05/2008

What a great example of NOT taking personal responsiblity! You go girl!

[avehicle4changedotcom]

02:02 PM on 10/05/2008

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[wayoutleft]

12:22 AM on 10/05/2008

ok. let's make that $890,000,156,000.

[M1]

04:10 PM on 10/04/2008

This is very sad and has nothing to do with Oprah!

[avehicle4changedotcom]

02:39 PM on 10/04/2008

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[yammit]

11:31 AM on 10/04/2008

well you know she is not living in a hut in africa on $12.00 a year

[Moonflowrr]

09:35 AM on 10/04/2008

That's pathetic. Way to validate a negative stereotype for all the arch-conservatives who will certainly prey upon this salacious news with beatified zeal.

She's every bit as bad as these same neo-cons who take any opportunity and spare no hyperbole in dodging responsibility!

[goldnchyl]

09:56 AM on 10/12/2008

Not quite as bad. Her debt is only 156,000.00. The Wall Street neo-cons have racked up hundreds of billions, if not trillions, of dollars in debt that they easily pass on to the American people.

[racetoinfinity]

06:46 AM on 10/04/2008

Why doesn't Oprah just pay it? It's a drop in the bucket to her.

[Yermammy]

05:30 PM on 10/04/2008

That's the store's angle. They went against a ruling, extending her credit. They're both guilty.

[TimWest]

05:23 AM on 10/04/2008

While this woman should pay the entire cost of items she bought, that money should be kept by the court in safe for a certain period of time (may be 6 months to one year) as a punishment until the court is satisfied the store is respecting prior court ruling. Only then should that money be released to them without interest.

[NotMcCain]

01:42 PM on 10/03/2008

Bad headline. The store is at fault for not honoring the agreement to NOT extend credit again to this troubled woman.

They got greedy because Oprah has the deep pockets.

Not right.

[Azmom]

05:45 PM on 10/03/2008

Ummm, how about something called personal responsibility? No one forced that woman to charge that much. She thinks she'd entitled because Oprah is her daughter. What a leech.

[MsCanadian]

10:16 PM on 10/03/2008

Thank you! I don't care who she is, she has the personal responsibility to curb her own spending. This is hogwash! They should throw this out of court and make her pay for her purchases.

[ugmold]

11:00 AM on 10/03/2008

pay up fatty

[katykay]

05:11 PM on 10/03/2008

Put her on the show!- Then Dr. Phil....then- Judge Judy!

[bzehr]

02:41 PM on 10/02/2008

I didn't know Oprah even HAD a mom.

:)