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Oprah's Mom Sues Store Over Huge Credit Account Save Email Print
Posted: 8:43 AM Oct 1, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:43 AM Oct 1, 2008
58 comments
A | A | A

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- 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
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Posted by: Mary Location: North Carolina on Oct 4, 2008 at 05:39 PM
The article states "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." I'm not sure about you, but I am sure if a company had already resolved a case with me, my name would be showing up on their "NO CREDIT" list. While I don't think that should negate Ms. Lee's responsibility of paying the current bill, I do think the company should accept some responsibility for it also.
Posted by: ??? Location: NC on Oct 4, 2008 at 02:53 PM
I feel so sorry for her. Yeah right! Is she senile?Her age wasnt given but any adult in thier right mind should know better.She should be made to pay with interest.Let her little Uber rich daughter pay her way out so she can do it a third time.
Posted by: whatever on Oct 4, 2008 at 08:39 AM
I hate Oprah anyway.... just another reason to hate her and her family more. She's an Obama supporter too. Loser!
Posted by: hey you idiot on Oct 4, 2008 at 02:50 AM
she probably used all of those mail order credit cards and checks that banks so stupidly send out....probably what has gotten us in all the crap our country is in now,,,while bush lies for 8 years as he and cheney say the economy is good. our chilldren will suffer in the future jobless and homeless.
Posted by: The Bear Location: Greenville on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:17 PM
According to the article, this is the second time this woman has had this issue. Sounds like a set-up to me. To blame the company for her stupidity is ridiculous. She knows exactly what she is doing. She knows, also, as every other honest American knows, if the company had denied her credit, she would have sued for racial discrimination. Goes on all the time. Nothing in the world but a scam job. While I don't believe Oprah is responsible for her mother, she is always willing to "help" others, so she might consider stepping up to this situation. If the truth were known, I'd be willing to bet her relationship with Oprah had something to do with the company's willingness to allow this to go on. As far as the cars Oprah " gave" her audience, if I'm not mistaken, the cars were donated by Pontiac. Not Oprah!!! I have only one question for the company. How many other customers have been allowed to "settle" their accounts. Should be interesting.
Posted by: joseph Location: kinston on Oct 3, 2008 at 03:55 PM
just hold on a while come feb 2009 Obamanomics will save you.heck you might get extended credit offers.
Posted by: Foxfire Location: NC on Oct 3, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Lack of knowledge, ability and/or capacity??? I'd like to see her application for credit!
Posted by: Geez Location: NC on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Ja'Quana, Oprah's mother's last name is not Winfrey. So you think it was OK to take the companies items? She surely should pay what she owes, isn't that the way one is supposed to do things? Or do you scam companies too????
Posted by: Ja'Quana Location: Kinston on Oct 3, 2008 at 08:35 AM
That is right Ms. Winfrey. Do not let them get your money. Banks are so easy to get over on. They need better security when it comes to banks.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Oct 3, 2008 at 01:48 AM
tj; Maybe Oprah is trying to teach her irresponsible Mother a lesson. Just because Oprah is filthy rich, it doesn't mean she owes it to her Mother to pay for her reckless spending.
Posted by: tj Location: nc on Oct 2, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I can't believe that "O" wouldn't just pay this off to keep it quiet. This is her mother, obviously the woman is a little off anyway. Just pay it and cut up her cards!!!
Posted by: To DevilDog Location: NC on Oct 2, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I wish I could agree Devil Dog, but the bubble is not going to bust. It's going to get bigger and bigger until it squeezes honest hardworking Americans do death. The secular progressives are charging in right now and could win big in November. If that happens, those of us with common sense and moral values, are going to be pushed even further down. I've been hearing for years that people were fed up with this type of behavior, but it just keeps getting worse. This is an old story, a person who believes that because of their position don't have to obey the rules. There is a class of people that truly believe that and the way things are going it's going to get bigger and bigger until it crushes the rest of us. THAT'S when you'll see the big collapse.
Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Oct 2, 2008 at 10:42 AM
To nomoredeadbeats...Sounds like she came from a tight knit family. Rewarding bad behavior fosters more bad behavior. Take the birdseed out of the feeder. This started in 1964 and the bubble is about to burst. People are sick and tired of being sick and tired!!
Posted by: Ms. B Location: Greenville on Oct 2, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Knowing what a joke our judicial system is, she will probably WIN....since she will not be held accountable for her own actions. The store is not to blame for her overspending, however, they are idiots for extending credit to her for a second time.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 2, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Funny Joe.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Oct 2, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Mike; EXACTLY!! That sums it all up in a nut shell. She made the charges and SHE is responsible for them. PERIOD.
Posted by: Mike Location: Edenton on Oct 2, 2008 at 05:58 AM
This is just another example of the trend in this country to refuse to take personal responsibilty for your own actions.
Posted by: how rediculous on Oct 2, 2008 at 04:04 AM
hey oprah's mom...what nerve you have to sue...pay the bill and don't ask oprah for help. be responsible for yourself. you are an idiot.
Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:49 PM
that's how rumors get started. Get a life.
Posted by: joe on Oct 1, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Oh My!!!! If they did not offer it to her she would have screamed racism. Maybe Obama and McCain can bail her out too. Give me a break.
Posted by: boo hoo on Oct 1, 2008 at 08:46 PM
let me feel sorrry for her....NOT! if she can't control herself...too bad. she should pay every penny for being so greedy. who spends that much besides michael jackson?
Posted by: Nemesys on Oct 1, 2008 at 06:29 PM
The store already had bad dealings with this woman. What did they expect? Did they think that Oprah would cover her?
Posted by: Jay Location: Indianapolis on Oct 1, 2008 at 06:22 PM
This just proves how far Oprah has come in overcoming the trash that gave birth to her. You buy it - you have to pay for it Vernita! Most people have these problems with their kids, not their parents. I hope Oprah doesn't bail her out.....
Posted by: Nomoredeadbeats Location: New York City on Oct 1, 2008 at 06:16 PM
To Devil Dog Location: Too late to call Congress...the Democrats in power in our legislative branch already drafted a bill to "protect" credit card users from lenders who "forced them into credit cards with terms they can't afford". So people like Oprah's mom with their irresponsible behavior are going to get off scott free because they claim the lenders are being "predatory". Does this sound familiar? (ahem, welfare mortgages leading to our current financial mess). All these bills do is create more lawyers and paperwork (Oprah's mom could have paid off the bill instead of spending the same amount of money hiring lawyers, especially against a local store that probably doesn't even have a budget for legal shenanigans like this). We are already allowing Congress to create laws benefiting a whole population of people who REFUSE TO TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY! If you don't believe me, look up "Credit Card Holder's Bill of Rights". It already passed in the House, I believe!
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Oct 1, 2008 at 05:55 PM
If i was Oprah and this was my mom...I would pay the bill. But then again, if I was Oprah and this was my mom...she wouldn't need credit!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 1, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Bet Oprah pays twice what is owed hiring the best attorney.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 1, 2008 at 04:52 PM
I don't know who this "Who cares" person is but it is you who needs to start to get smart. Don't call people stuipd. As far as I am concered if you accept the creidt and wear the stuff then you need to pay for it. If it was a gift as you say" HA HA" then she shouldn't have to pay but since it was her own credit- that means you pay it back, then she should have to pay.
Posted by: Ruth Location: Wilson on Oct 1, 2008 at 04:27 PM
If Oprah could go to africa and spend money on other people/ why not a little help with mom.She dont have to bail her all the way out/but she can help. She is one of the riches females out there.
Posted by: alex Location: vanceboro on Oct 1, 2008 at 03:59 PM
this is the reason our country is in such a mess financially. Deadbeats like Oprah's mom won't take financial responsibility for their own actions. she thinks its someone else's fault. how stupid can a person be.
Posted by: Get Over It Location: Williamston on Oct 1, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Betty from Cortland: get a freakn life. What does Oprahs moms business have do with Barack? Stick to the subject at hand, dont even start trying to make accusations that Oprah has a thang for Barak or vise versa. We got enuff going on without you trying to start childish rumors. Wonder how many others are gonna agree with you or agree with me--you feel me? And to set the record a bit straighter--Barack has plenty of people backing him--now what?!
Posted by: Sarah Location: fayetteville, nc on Oct 1, 2008 at 02:58 PM
actually i just read about the 2002 case when oprahs mother sued these people for the same thing and got away with it. so, now my opinion changes, if this woman fought to get out of paying her bills in 2002 and she got away with owing this company and then they go back and give her more credit then they are the idiots.
Posted by: who cares Location: eastern nc on Oct 1, 2008 at 02:39 PM
You people are so stupid. The clothing company wanted her to wear their clothes because she IS Oprah's mom, and they ASSUMED Oprah would be paying the bills. When you hit the lottery will you pay the bills of everyone in your family?? I'm sure Oprah has taken very good care of her mother and other family members, but why should she when the clothing company has tried to take advantage of an old woman. They would NEVER have extended that amount of credit to anyone other than Oprah's mother. They deserve to get stuck for the bill. Or they can just go get their clothes back. Why didn't they stop her when she hit $5,000.00 or $10,000. They deserve to take this loss. Oprah shouldn't be responsible. Get real, people.
Posted by: Concerned Location: Greenville, N. C. on Oct 1, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Oprah shouldn't have to pay her mother bills. Even though Oprah is her daughter she still have to live within her means. I'm sure Oprah gives her mother plenty of money. Some relatives of the rich & famous takes advantage of their status. So momma pay your own bill!!!
Posted by: Lynne Location: Ayden on Oct 1, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Is this (for the most part) a continuation of the 2002 case or did the company go against the 2002 resolution (that included a no more credit clause)and extend Ms. Lee more credit? It sounds more like the former than the latter if she fell behind on making monthly payments. However, if it is the latter then the company messed up because they already knew she was a problem and were not supposed to extend her more credit. Of course, there is the thought that if they hadn't provided more credit then Ms. Lee and her daughter would be yelling discrimination.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: north carolina on Oct 1, 2008 at 01:54 PM
this is just one of the reasons we are in such a financial mess
Posted by: Geez Location: NC on Oct 1, 2008 at 01:50 PM
You're right on bubba! She probably won't have to pay a dime because she's "Oprah's Mother." With her daughter's money, why did she need a credit account, doesn't daughter take care of Mom???
Posted by: Carmen Location: NC on Oct 1, 2008 at 01:42 PM
All I can say is if she gets away with this, everyone in the entire USA should sue everyone they are debt with and claim the same thing. This woman is a fruit loop. Just is not right.
Posted by: BUBBA Location: DIXIE COUNTY FL on Oct 1, 2008 at 01:25 PM
An other scam artist. If that was me just a poor ole southern boy like I am. I would be in jail for credit card fraud. Besides putting a lean against all my assets. I am luckie I can only afford tee shirts, shorts and sandles. What does $156,000.00 look like anyway?
Posted by: Steve Location: Chocowinity on Oct 1, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Just add it on the 700 Billion bailout, what's another 155 grand? I think I'm going down to Fountain power boats this weekend and buy the biggest boat they make. Can I afford it?...no, should I have to pay for it?....no. I'll just ask somebody else to bail me out, "come fellow taxpayers give me come cash"
Posted by: tim Location: greenville on Oct 1, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Mother and daughter just alike...crooks. If Oprah was a real daughter to her she would bail her out and get her some help.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Washington Co on Oct 1, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I agree that this might be a con artist but right on the other hand why in the world would the same company grant her more credit if she didn't pay the first time. Haven't they heard the expression *** me once shame on you, *** me twice same on me. She should have had to pay the first time. Now because of the companies stupidity she probally won't have to pay this time either.
Posted by: T Location: Washington on Oct 1, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Even if she gets caught she will get away with it because she is Oprah's mom. That is probably how she was allowed to run up such a bill. This company should have not given her a credit so large especially after she got away with it the first time. They would not have forgiven us if we had done this.
Posted by: tony Location: nc on Oct 1, 2008 at 11:31 AM
What makes her any better than the rest of us. If it were me i'd be getting sued too. I don't blame them for taking her to court. Maybe her famous daughter can help her out.LOL
Posted by: betty Location: cortland on Oct 1, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Hey one more thing on Oprah. What ever became of Oprah hot on the trail of Obama? Must be "his wife" seen something there. What do you all think??? Oprah not on his heels anymore.
Posted by: here Location: here on Oct 1, 2008 at 11:14 AM
"Can you say ignorant, two times" I mean come on lady. Let me run up debt all over town and then claim I'm ignorant when the bill collectors come! Come on
Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Oct 1, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I could care less, but obviously Ms. Lee has an obsession with shopping.
Posted by: betty Location: cortland on Oct 1, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I say make the old bag pay. We all have to when we charge things. Why does she think she is any better? OH YEA I forgot, she is Oprah's mother and that should get her special privileges. Please forgive me, I forgot about the great Oprah!!!! I use to like Oprah but she is just another money person. She got a big head and now she thinks she is untouchable. So why wouldn't the mom think that to?
Posted by: tax paying citizen Location: Aulander on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Read the article again. This is the second time she has done this since 2002. First time she got away with $175,000 reportedly from the same company and now $156,000.!! This is not stupidity over not knowing how to use credit, it is a con artist seeing how much she can get away with before she is caught. If you could see her complete credit report, we would then see what the working class is paying taxes on for all the dead beats that live high and mighty, but don't foot their bills!
Posted by: Sarah Location: Fayetteville, NC on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:53 AM
THIS IS Beeping RIDICULOUS! If she actually wins this case, I am gonna fall out on the floor. Ya know, this woman don't want to pay for the crap but I bet their still hanging in her closet. Ya know, I am gonna sue my mortgage company for my home. They should not have given me a brand new home so easily! I refuse to pay my mortgage. LOL> LMBO. This is the stupidist topic ever. lol. Oh wait, maybe the mom should of put Oprah on her account then they would of went after Oprah instead of her. lol.
Posted by: Steve Location: Kinston on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Charge her interest every day that she is late. With the lawsuit, that could really add up to some serious coin. If this was not so pathetic, I would have to laugh. Hey Government, this is what you have turned our great country into---(an "entitled population of ne'er-do wells bleeding the hardworking ,law abiding citizens dry). The only reason she is not in jail is because of her "famous" daughter. EDITED
Posted by: Nana Location: Southern Pitt on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Is this the same Oprah that gives cars away by the hundreds to her audiences? Agree with "Help"....why is she having to charge anything in the first place!?! You'd think she'd be well taken care of and want for nothing. Something just ain't adding up here.
Posted by: Chris Location: New Bern on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Are you kidding me!! You mean she is that stupid and didn't realize that she was racking up a HUGE BILL!! Give me a break. she should have to pay back every cent.
Posted by: American Biker Location: Eastern NC on Oct 1, 2008 at 09:54 AM
This is about as much news that anybody cares to read as is the new cut on my forearm from hard work. Pay the bill you ran up lady. Is no one held accountable for their actions anymore other than the average working person?????????
Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY on Oct 1, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Oprah come on your mother brought the $156,000.00 dollars worth of product. She refuses to pay for what she bought. She might as well have robbed them. Now she uses some lame excuse she is stupid. I have a suggestion since you are one of the Richest $$$$$ person on planet earth. Pay off her bill,and shred all her credit cards.
Posted by: Tarheelfan Location: Greenville on Oct 1, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Right and I am going to sue my credit card company b/c they shouldn't have given me credit either!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Greenville on Oct 1, 2008 at 09:31 AM
She is no better than any one else. If you make the debt--then you got to pay or loose things. Why should someone else have to bail you out.You know when you are charging things there will be a pay day!!!! And do not act like you do not know what you were doing--even small children know how a credit card works. Pay up lady
Posted by: "Help" Location: Williamston on Oct 1, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Hey Oprah, can you not help, if not totally pay off your mothers account? And why is she charging so much on credit cards. "Mom" your daughter is one of the riches women walking, and you have to charge things? Something just dont sound right here.
Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Oct 1, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Huury up and call CONGRESS. Maybe they will put your bill, in the BAILOUT legislation. Oh, don't forget the lawyer fees. Give me a Break!!!! Another one heading for the "bird feeder".
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