High-end Wis. fashion retailer says it’s settled bill dispute with Oprah Winfrey’s mother
By APTuesday, November 24, 2009
Store: Bill dispute with Winfrey’s mother settled
WAUKESHA, Wis. — A high-end fashion retailer in Wisconsin says a financial dispute with Oprah Winfrey’s mother has been settled.
Details of the agreement between Vernita Lee of Milwaukee and the Brookfield store, Valentina, have not yet been filed in Waukesha (WAH’-keh-shaw) County Circuit Court.
But Valentina co-owner Tony Chirchirillo (chirch-ih-RIL’-oh) tells the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the store will receive some of the $155,000 he said it was owed.
Valentina sued Lee in 2008 for failing to pay the bill. Lee’s attorneys argued the store should not have extended credit to her because of her earlier troubles paying a bill.
Attorneys for Lee and Valentina did not immediately return phone calls Tuesday seeking comment.
A judge still has to approve the settlement. A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 7.
