Amy Winehouse’s father, Mitch Winehouse, has filed a lawsuit against two of his late daughter’s closest friends. The lawsuit centers on the auction of about 155 items associated with the iconic singer, with claims exceeding £700,000. The suit was initiated in the High Court in London.
Mitch Winehouse’s Allegations
Mitch accuses Naomi Parry and Catriona Gourlay of intentionally hiding these items during celebrity auctions in Los Angeles. He intended to use the proceeds to construct a school in his daughter’s memory in Saint Lucia.
Iconic Items in Dispute
- Custom dress worn by Winehouse during her last performance in Belgrade, which sold for $243,000.
- Boots featured on the cover of her debut album, *Frank*, fetched $19,200.
- Blood-stained ballet shoes sold for approximately $4,000.
- A birthday card addressed to Winehouse by Mark Ronson and Adele, sold for $3,200.
- Two beauty items, a pink Mac lipstick and black Rimmel eyeliner, were claimed to be owned by her.
The Legal Battle
The court heard that Sadie Frost and Kelly Osbourne have provided witness statements supporting Parry and Gourlay. They described how Winehouse often gifted her clothing to friends.
Amy Winehouse’s Generosity
Amy Winehouse, who died at age 27 in July 2011, was known for her abundant generosity. Mitch Winehouse acknowledged her kind nature but asserted he does not believe 150 items were gifted to Parry and Gourlay.
Background Information
The friends first met Winehouse as teenagers and had significant roles in her life. Gourlay lived with Winehouse from 2004 to 2005 and later occupied a flat with Parry from 2008 to 2010. Both supported her in developing her unique fashion style.
Items that Shape Her Legacy
Many disputed items may not have held significant value initially. Gourlay’s barrister noted that sharing and swapping clothes was common among friends, often devoid of thoughts about their potential legacy.
The Pressure of Fame
Winehouse’s fashion choices became pivotal to her identity, particularly as her second album, *Back to Black*, gained international acclaim. Mitch Winehouse is a noted multimillionaire, having inherited his daughter’s fortune after her death.
Mitch’s legal representatives have stated that the lawsuit is not driven by jealousy; rather, it seeks clarity on the ownership of the items. Mitch expressed a willingness to settle if the friends can provide proof of ownership or donate a portion of their profits to his daughter’s foundation.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities surrounding celebrity legacies and the personal relationships that intertwine with them.
