2024 has been filled with intense and dramatic celebrity legal showdowns. High-profile stars from Lisa Rinna to Lizzo have found themselves embroiled in courtroom sagas, captivating public attention. Here’s a breakdown of the top five ongoing celebrity legal battles making headlines this year:
1. Lisa Rinna vs. Backgrid Paparazzi (Copyright Lawsuit)
The Case: Lisa Rinna, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, is facing a $1.5 million lawsuit from Backgrid, a celebrity photo agency. The lawsuit centers around Rinna’s use of paparazzi photos on her Instagram account without permission. Backgrid claims that Rinna’s posting of at least eight photographs without proper licensing led to economic losses for the agency. Rinna, on the other hand, has accused the agency of “weaponizing” copyright law to make up for revenue lost during the pandemic.
Latest Update: Rinna had initially refused to settle, leading to an official trial date being set for mid-2024. However, recent developments suggest the parties have reached a quiet settlement, avoiding a prolonged legal battle in court.
2. Lizzo vs. Former Backup Dancers (Harassment and Misconduct Claims)
The Case: Pop icon Lizzo has been sued by three former backup dancers for alleged sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and body-shaming. The dancers claimed that Lizzo pressured them into uncomfortable situations, including participating in explicit acts during a trip to an Amsterdam nightclub. This lawsuit has sparked significant debate around celebrity treatment of staff.
Latest Update: Lizzo has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them false and claiming they are an attempt to defame her. Despite her denial, public sentiment has been split, and the case remains ongoing. Both sides are preparing for what could be a contentious court battle.
3. Erika Jayne and the Girardi Bankruptcy Scandal
The Case: Erika Jayne, another Real Housewives alum, continues to be embroiled in the fallout of her estranged husband Tom Girardi’s massive legal scandal. Girardi, a once-prominent lawyer, is accused of embezzling millions from clients, including orphans and widows. Jayne has been named in several lawsuits, with creditors and victims claiming she benefited from Girardi’s fraudulent activities.
Latest Update: In 2024, Jayne faced a major setback when a court ruled she may be liable for millions in restitution. Legal experts speculate that her assets could be at risk as the case heads toward trial later this year.
4. Brad Pitt vs. Angelina Jolie (Château Miraval Dispute)
The Case: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s legal feud over Château Miraval, the French estate and vineyard they co-owned during their marriage, has escalated in 2024. Pitt has sued Jolie for selling her stake in the vineyard to a third party without his consent, accusing her of undermining the business
Latest Update: The case took a dramatic turn when newly released documents revealed Pitt’s allegations that Jolie sold her shares to “hurt” him during their divorce proceedings. The battle over the property and its millions in profits is set to continue in court.
5. Alec Baldwin vs. “Rust” Civil Suit
The Case: Alec Baldwin’s ongoing legal troubles related to the accidental shooting on the set of Rust continue to dominate headlines. The family of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer who tragically lost her life during the incident, has filed multiple civil suits against Baldwin and the production team.
Latest Update: In 2024, Baldwin reached a settlement in one civil suit, but others remain unresolved. The actor also faces possible further legal actions from the production crew, keeping this case at the forefront of entertainment news.
