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Fashion store sues Oprah Winfrey's mom for unpaid bill
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MILWAUKEE -- A high-end clothing store in Brookfield, Wis., is suing Oprah Winfrey's mother for failing to pay her bill. | Oprah hosts Olympians for season premiere

The civil complaint says Vernita Lee of Milwaukee owed Valentina nearly $156,000 for purchases and interest as of July 1 and has failed to make the monthly minimum payment of $2,000.

Store attorney Joseph Niebler Sr. says his client tried to resolve the matter with Lee before filing the lawsuit in Waukesha County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit says Lee told store officials she doesn't think she owes the money. Reached by telephone, Lee declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Valentina co-owner Tony Chirchirillo says a $150,000 bill isn't unusual for a client with a full calendar of social events.

A nonbinding mediation session is set for Sept. 16.


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Oprah Winfrey speaks in Whitesboro, N.J., on Aug. 30. (AP Photo/MJ Schear)
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Reader comments on this story - 11 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

klm wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:42 AM:

" To It's Her.
we did not say we hate her. We did not say it was a racial thing. You are the one who played the race card. And to top it off you were mature enough to call people names. Way to go. Grow up. We are entitled to our opinion. Now, who's being foolish?????? "

Sunny1 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:13 AM:

" Oprah is NOT racist!! You're just jealous that she has a lot of money......and she is VERY generous with her money. Be careful what you say and do.....you reap what you sow! "

Cubbies wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:00 AM:

" I agree with all your comments, especially with 4stals. She thinks she's a God or something. I stopped watching her years and years ago. She needs to get off TV and move on. It's funny that she won't carry plus size clothes in her "store" where her tapings are because she doesn't want to see fat women walking around with her name on them. She actually said that on a show once. She needs to get real. "

freedm aint free wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:54 AM:

" This is not my typical mindframe ~ but why is this even newsworthy? "

it's her wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:49 AM:

" to "prettyinpink" first of all, I am sure you are not pretty in pink! Here is someone who consistently gives back and you two fools (including klm) can say you hate her. Sounds like some angry white people mad because this black woman has made some serious money. It is always wonderful when a black person can go in the white arena and make that money. Jealousy always follows!" "

softball22 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:03 PM:

" Oprah should quit crying so hard that her eyelashes fall off and pay mommys bill. "

coupie wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:04 PM:

" So, why didn't Oval Windbag bail her out? "

4stals wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:11 PM:

" Oprah is so annoying. Also very racist! She thinks she is something-it's good for her to get some bad rap! "

yakky_one wrote on Sep 4, 2008 3:49 PM:

" Well, Oprah should have paid this bill for her mom...she's filthy rich but I don't know why. I can't stand her either "

klm wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:04 PM:

" DITTO PRETTY IN PINK. DOUBLE DITTO. "

prettyinpink wrote on Sep 4, 2008 1:23 PM:

" Oh Oprah, she has to have her hand in everything! I personally can't stand the woman! Go McCain! "

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