Store says Oprah's mom owes $150K

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Valentina Inc., a Brookfield, Wis., clothing boutique, reportedly is suing Oprah Winfrey's mother because it claims she hasn't been paying on her $150,000 bill.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel said Vernita Lee is arguing through her attorney that she doesn't owe the money, which Valentina said -- in a lawsuit filed in Waukesha County Circuit Court -- includes purchases and interest as of July 1.

The store's attorney claims Valentina moved to sue Lee after the celebrity mom stopped making her minimum monthly payments of $2,000 to the store.

The boutique is now demanding full payment of the debt, as well as interest, the Journal-Sentinel said.

Lee declined to discuss the situation when contacted by phone, the newspaper said.

She reportedly has until a Sept. 19 hearing to answer the complaint.