The Make It Right Foundation was entrusted with the task of constructing environmentally sustainable homes in the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Although the homes were not given away for free, owners took out mortgages to acquire them. Soon after construction, numerous issues were reported, including construction defects and mold. In 2018, a class action lawsuit was filed against Make It Right and Brad Pitt seeking damages.
In August, a settlement was proposed to resolve the lawsuit, which entailed a $20.5 million payment to the homeowners. Los Angeles nonprofit organization Global Green offered to provide the funds and administer the payout. However, recent revelations from The Hollywood Reporter indicate that Global Green did not actually have the necessary funds to fulfill its commitment.
According to legal experts consulted by The Hollywood Reporter, it remains unclear why Global Green, an organization with longstanding but waning connections in the Hollywood philanthropic community, would assert that it had the necessary funds before actually obtaining them.
Global Green CEO Bill Bridge explained to THR that the organization aimed to utilize its name, reputation, and history in New Orleans to raise funds and work towards a resolution that would be in the best interests of the affected residents. Bridge went on to suggest that Global Green has been unjustly blamed for the issue, citing miscommunication, misunderstandings, and some degree of naivete on the organization's part in dealing with all parties involved in the case.
The prolonged delay in resolving the issue has caused confusion and suffering for the affected residents. Homeowner Linda Santi expressed her disappointment to The Hollywood Reporter, stating that while she was not surprised that things had gone awry, the situation had become increasingly convoluted and complicated.
A judge in New Orleans has permitted the class action lawsuit to proceed.
Meanwhile, Global Green is scheduled to appear in court on October 2 for a contempt hearing. Bridge has revealed that the organization has identified another party to support the surety bond that guarantees the $20.5 million payout.
0 Comments