Oprah Winfrey’s mom is apparently pissed off that a store would have the audacity to give her a line of credit for which she isn’t going to paying back. In a story that sounds eerily reminiscent of the mentality that got the country into its current financial mess, Mama Winfrey racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in shopping sprees to a clothing store, bailed on paying the bills and when sued by the store had the audacity to countersue claiming they shouldn’t have extended her the credit because she’s a deadbeat.
Waukesha - Oprah Winfrey’s mother should not have to pay a high-end fashion store the more than $150,000 it says it is owed because the store extended credit despite knowing her troubles managing debt, according to a new court filing.
Valentina Inc. sued Winfrey’s mother, Vernita Lee of Milwaukee, in July, contending that she racked up a bill of $155,547.31 in purchases and interest as of July 1. She was required to make a minimum monthly payment of $2,000 to the store, the suit says.
Mediation between the two sides failed last week, prompting Lee to file a counterclaim contending she does not owe the money.
But the store isn’t necessarily an innocent bystander as they were on notice that she was a deadbeat.
It is the second time Lee and Valentina have been in conflict over her wardrobe bill.
In 2002, Lee was ordered to pay $35,000 upfront and make monthly payments of $5,000 until another past-due bill of $174,285 was paid, according to court records.
While I wouldn’t propose letting her off the hook for her debts, it’s hard to defend a store that is this stupid. (Of course, knowing who her daughter is probably helped them be a little more relaxed in extending credit)
Michelle sums this up nicely:
This is exactly the same entitlement/victim mentality that has gotten us into the bailout mess we are in. Irresponsible spender demands limitless credit. Cries “predatory lender” when the chickens come home to roost. Borrow. Spend. Whine. Repeat
And the answer to this from Congress is to offer both offending sides money confiscated from we taxpayers.
