Oprah Winfrey’s mother, Wis. fashion retailer settle bill dispute; terms not disclosed

Winfrey’s mother, retailer settle bill dispute

WAUKESHA, Wis. — A financial dispute between Oprah Winfrey’s mother and a high-end fashion store in Wisconsin has been settled.

Details of the agreement between Vernita Lee of Milwaukee and the Brookfield store, Valentina, have not been released.

But Valentina co-owner Tony Chirchirillo (chirch-ih-RIL’-oh) says 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.

Lee’s attorney, Steven Gistenson, said Tuesday the dispute was amicably resolved without admission of wrongdoing or liability.

Gistenson says he expects to file the settlement in the next week. A judge still must approve it. A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 7.