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Last Updated: March 24, 2025, 11:59 IST
Hurricane Katrina Victims Take Legal Action Against Brad Pitt and the Make It Right Foundation Over Poorly Constructed Homes
Court decides that Make It Right must provide essential documents as part of the ongoing discovery process. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Brad Pitt is facing renewed legal challenges related to the Make It Right Project, a non-profit initiative he founded to aid in the reconstruction of New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The actor, now 61, committed $12 million (approximately Rs 103 crore) to build sustainable, eco-friendly homes for families who lost everything in the 2005 disaster. In total, 150 houses were constructed in the heavily impacted Lower Ninth Ward.
Nearly two decades later, these homes have become the focus of a class-action lawsuit from disgruntled homeowners. Many of these residents are suffering from significant structural issues, especially severe mould problems, and are seeking accountability from Pitt and his organization for what they claim are poorly constructed and defective homes.
A significant development in the case occurred when a court ruled that the Make It Right foundation is required to release critical documents during the discovery phase. Reports indicate that Pitt has been reluctant to participate in a deposition, citing his busy filming schedule as a major hindrance.
Pitt’s legal team has made efforts to protect him from testifying, arguing that his film commitments pose significant logistical challenges. They asserted that his absence from production could trigger substantial scheduling problems, which may have serious legal and financial repercussions for the studio. Additionally, they mentioned that Pitt’s upcoming months are primarily booked in Europe, making any potential deposition a logistical nightmare.
Initially filed in April 2024, this motion to avoid deposition gained little attention until recently, and was eventually deemed irrelevant in June due to the ongoing discovery phase.
For those affected, the lawsuit represents more than just legalities; it symbolizes a struggle for justice. Many homeowners initially viewed Pitt’s project as a hopeful opportunity for a fresh start after their lives were turned upside down by the hurricane, only to feel betrayed as their homes deteriorated over time.
The legal action claims that the foundation’s initiative was plagued with construction defects and utilized substandard materials. Key plaintiffs, including Lloyd Francis and Jennifer Decuir, were among the first to file claims back in 2018, pushing the matter into federal court. Allegations against the organization encompass fraud, breach of contract, and unfair trade practices.
Homeowners have consistently reported serious health concerns linked to their living conditions, citing issues such as toxic mould and elevated CO2 levels. An attorney involved in the case remarked on the daunting reality faced by those whose lives have been impacted by these housing problems.
In 2022, the situation appeared to be on the cusp of resolution when the eco-charity Global Green proposed a $20.5 million settlement on behalf of Make It Right and Pitt. However, this agreement fell through as the charity lacked the necessary funds and reportedly anticipated that Pitt would contribute to bridge the financial gap.
Pitt has since distanced himself from this failed arrangement. As a spokesperson clarified to The Hollywood Reporter in 2023, Pitt had previously supported Global Green, and when they approached him regarding the settlement, which they claimed was backed by “generous donors,” he expressed interest based on those assurances.
With the Global Green deal now in disarray and Pitt’s legal team continuing to challenge deposition requests, the proceedings remain mired in complexity, leaving many questions unanswered for the affected homeowners.
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