Hurricane Katrina Victims Sue Brad Pitt’s Foundation Over Faulty Homes!
Victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans are taking legal action against Brad Pitt and his Make It Right Foundation over defective homes that were built as part of the actor’s post-disaster relief effort. The homeowners, who claim their homes were poorly constructed and plagued by various issues, have filed a class action lawsuit against both Brad Pitt and the foundation. In a significant development, these victims recently achieved a court victory requiring the foundation to disclose crucial documents during the ongoing discovery phase of the case.
Court Victory for Victims
In April 2024, the homeowners filed a motion in court, accusing the Make It Brad Pitt Right Foundation of building homes that were not only defective but failed to meet the promised standards. The lawsuit alleges that many of the homes, which were built in the aftermath of the devastating 2005 hurricane, were flawed, with issues ranging from structural damage to water leaks. This legal battle has taken a major step forward as the district court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, requiring the foundation to turn over important documents related to the construction of these homes.
The discovery process is still ongoing, but the court’s decision marks a significant victory for the victims. In June, the judge ruled on a moot point in the lawsuit, indicating that the discovery process had not yet been completed. The legal team for Make It Right requested more time to go through the foundation’s extensive documents, which reportedly include around 195 boxes, 13 filing cabinets, an IT server, and numerous computers. This extensive amount of paperwork has created a lengthy process for the defense team.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The plaintiffs’ legal team, led by Ron Austin Law, has already received a substantial amount of evidence, including 70,000 documents and an additional 30,000 pages of financial records. To bolster their case, the legal team is looking to bring in forensic accountants and has enlisted architectural and engineering experts to review the homes’ construction.
A status conference is set for next month, and as the discovery process continues, it’s clear that this legal battle is far from over. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation and the victims of Hurricane Katrina who feel they have been wronged in the aftermath of one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.
