Oprah Winfrey's Mom Sued By High-End Clothing Store Over $155K Debt

Brookfield, WI (CNS) - Apparently, billionaire Oprah Winfrey's wealth doesn't extend to her immediate family members. Her mom, Vernita Lee, is being sued by a high-end clothing store for failing to pay $155,000.

As per the civil complaint filed by Valentina Inc., Lee has accumulated $155,547.31 in purchases and interests as of July 1. She was required to pay the minimum monthly payment of $2,000 to the store, but has failed to do so.

The store's attorney, Joseph Niebler, Sr., told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Lee stopped making the monthly payments at some point and that Valentina tried to resolve the bill before filing the lawsuit.

They are asking for full payment plus interests.

Niebler continues, "There isn't any ill will, it's a matter of contract."

Lee declined to comment about the case when called by the Sentinel. A hearing is due on September 19 and a non-binding mediation session is scheduled on September 16.