Updates to our Terms of Use

We are updating our Terms of Use. Please carefully review the updated Terms before proceeding to our website.

Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

‘Gossip Girl’ Star|Sues Her Real Mom

LOS ANGELES (CN) - Leighton Meester, who plays Blair Waldorf in the "Gossip Girl" TV show, says she never promised to pay her mother $10,000 a month for the rest of her life, as her mom claims, and will not pay her $3 million to settle the dispute even if her mom does file a lawsuit over the "ridiculous claim."

Meester recently co-starred in the movies "Country Strong," "The Roommate," and "Monte Carlo." According to her Superior Court complaint, she has been able to financially help her mother, Constance Meester, and her younger brother, (nonparty) Alexander Meester, who recently had to undergo brain surgery after being "diagnosed with a condition."

"Despite Leighton's difficult relationship with Constance, in approximately 2009, Leighton began providing financial assistance to Constance for Lex's care," the complaint states. "Leighton voluntarily paid for health insurance for both Constance and Lex, as well as Lex's other medical and education expenses. In addition, Leighton sent money to Constance on a regular basis, typically approximately $7,500 per month, which was intended to pay for Lex's living expenses and other needs. Leighton had no obligation to provide this financial assistance to Constance and Lex, but she voluntarily did so out of love and concern for Lex's well being."

Meester says she learned only recently that her mother has been using the money to pay for cosmetic surgeries, and that she has been stealing prescription drugs from her own son.

"Leighton is informed and believes and based thereon alleges that Constance has been using the money she receives from Leighton to pay for cosmetic procedures for herself, including plastic surgery on her face and stomach, Botox injections for her face, fillers for her hands and hair extensions," the complaint states.

"Sadly, Leighton is also informed and believes and based thereon alleges that Constance has an alcohol and substance abuse problem that is clouding her judgment. Leighton was recently informed that Constance has been taking pain medication prescribed to Lex following his recent brain surgery."

In light of this, Leighton says, she stopped sending her mom money, but continued to pay for Lex's medical insurance and school tuition.

"After Leighton stopped sending money to Constance, Constance concocted a ridiculous claim that in March 2009, she and Constance entered into an oral agreement whereby Leighton purportedly agreed to pay Constance $10,000 per month for the rest of Constance's life. Constance's claim is completely absurd. Leighton never agreed to pay Constance any amount of money, let alone financially support Constance for the rest of her life. Any and all money sent by Leighton to Constance was sent voluntarily and gratuitously, not because Leighton had any obligation whatsoever to do so," the complaint states.

It adds: "Recently, Constance demanded that Leighton pay her in excess of $3 million in order to resolve her alleged claims, and she has threatened to file a lawsuit against Leighton unless her demands are met. Accordingly, Leighton now seeks a declaration from the Court that there is no valid, enforceable or binding agreement between Leighton and Constance and Leighton has no obligation to pay any money to Constance."

Meester and her loan-out corporation, My Dog Jack Productions, are represented by James Spertus and Ezra Landers.

Categories / Uncategorized

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Loading...