Debra Opri Kidnapps Money

I mentioned a couple of days ago that Larry Birkhead was going to come out of this whole non-payment of legal bills fiasco smelling like a rose. I have just proven correct!

Apparently Debra Opri pulled a fast one on Larry Birkhead, and instead of passing along money he earned giving exclusive interviews to Access Hollywood and BravoTV, she instructed Larry's agent and NBC to put the money in her client trust account. And then never gave it to Larry, and then had the nerve to send a bill to Larry and then sue him for not paying, even though she has his money already and he can't use it to pay her.

Confused? Me too. All I know is that Larry is totally vindicated for not paying his bill and Opri comes away from this looking really, really bad!!

To read the whole sad and sorry saga, click here to go to TMZ and read the story

Opri Sues Birkhead.

Debra Opri has filed suit against Larry Birkhead for his unpaid legal bill of over $600,000.

Debra Opri wants to force binding arbitration under the terms of a contract in which she agreed to represent Birkhead in September, according to the lawsuit filed in Superior Court.

Opri was Birkhead's lawyer in his paternity dispute with Anna Nicole Smith, over Dannielynn. It was ultimately proven that Dannielynn is Birkhead's biological daughter and he now has custody of her. Back in April Opri served Birkhead with a bill for $620,000.

On his website, Larry Birkhead makes this cryptic statement:

BILLS: I HAVE NOT MADE ANY COMMENT REGARDING AN ATTORNEY'S BILL. I HAVE REMAINED SILENT ON THIS ISSUE AND RELATED ISSUES IN THE PAST AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO THE SO IN THE FUTURE.

Of course, that statement has been up on his website for quite sometime, so I guess he's sticking to his guns and not talking to Opri about it either!.

I can't really believe that Opri is suing Birkhead over this. I understand that she wants her money, but she could come to some sort of agreement with him, after all, Opri has received incredible publicity from this case, and she couldn't buy that kind of publicity if she wanted to.

UPDATE: Larry Birkhead released an official statement to TMZ:

Despite their filings, both Ms. Opri and her attorney received notification making them aware that I would be out of the state of California taking care of my daughter until the conclusion of an upcoming June custody hearing in the Bahamas. Although at this time, the public is not aware of the unbelievable circumstances which led to me firing Ms. Opri, the only question at the end of the day is, how much money will Debra Opri be paying me? Thanks to the efforts of my Bahamas attorney, Emerick Knowles, I am fortunate enough now to be spending time with my daughter, Dannielynn.

A)Larry is going to come out of this smelling like a rose - I can just tell

B) How come everyone is now releasing their official statements directly to TMZ? Lohan just did that and now Larry?

Opri Tries To Blind Us With Lawyer Talk

Debra Opri has lashed out at the media and whoever leaked the information about Larry Birkhead's legal bills with this:

"One can only imagine from whom and for what purposes these stories were started. I cannot comment on unauthenticated documents which were disseminated to the media under suspicious circumstances, and which are covered by the attorney-client privilege. I can assure you, however, that all of the fees and expenses incurred on behalf of Mr. Birkhead were reasonable, necessary, and appropriate, given the complexity and magnitude of this very high profile case that was litigated in two different states and a foreign country. Out of respect for Mr. Birkhead, I cannot comment further at this time."

Whatever, Debra!! In other words, the whole story is true. Opri, you can't get out of this one, the cat's out of the bag.

And in other fantastic legal news, Howard K Sterns pathetic attempt to stop the Dannielynn paternity hearing by filing an appeal has totally failed. Stern now has to pay $10,000 in legal fees to the Bahamas Courts and to Birkhead's Bahamian lawyers, basically as a slap on the hand for filing a frivolous appeal. This means that we could find out as early as tomorrow who the father of Dannielynn is, when the hearing continues in the Bahamas. (source).

Howard K Stern is in serious need of a job.

Birkhead Gets the Bill!!

Incredibly, Debra Opri is charging Larry Birkhead $620,492.84. Opri billed Larry $475 an hour for legal services and a slew of other miscellaneous charges including two dinners that Birkhead didn't even attend and some laundry charges for Opri's husband. TMZ has a longer list here.

I can't really believe she billed the poor guy that much. Look at the international exposure the Debra Opri has received by representing Larry Birkhead! The least she could have done is cut her normal rate in half and not billed him the bogus expenses. My favorite one is this:

On February 24, 2007, while Opri and Birkhead stayed at a private residence in Ft. Lauderdale during the Florida hearing, Opri billed $600 for Seafood World. We're told she brought four trays of lobster to the house. The bill says, "Dinner gift/Ft. Lauderdale house stay." But it was no gift to Larry. That same day, she billed $211 for items at Publix grocery store.

In other Larry news, last week we reported that Larry Birkhead had filed a trademark on the phrase "Goodnight My Sweet Anna Baby". Apparently this is not the case. Larry has written this on his own website LarryBirkhead.net

TRADEMARKS: I have never requested a trademark, signed or filled out any paperwork on a trademark relating to Anna Nicole Smith, and the saying "Goodnight My Sweet Anna Baby." The form was filled out by another individual on my behalf. The form was not reviewed or approved by me. The media is reporting that they have seen a copy of the form, please send me one as I have asked for a copy and never have received it. It does not have my signature or authorization, I am far too busy working on my fight for my daughter Dannielynn, to worry about things like trademarking sayings for use in movies, etc. **In other words, I will seek to have this trademark withdrawn or cancelled on the grounds it was not approved by me.**

The rest of his last post also makes for some interesting reading!! Click here

And in even more news, TMZ is reporting that most of the drugs that were given to Anna Nicole were prescribed to Howard K Stern!!!!!!!

The paternity hearing in the Bahamas is due to resume tomorrow - pending of course all the appeals that Mr Howard K Stern has filed. And I can only presume that he is filing these appeals as he doesn't want the truth to set him free!!

Debra Opri Fired!!!!

Breaking News: Larry Birkhead has fired his attorney, Debra Opri. Birkhead will be represented by a Bahamian attorney in today's paternity hearing in the Bahamas.

Debra Opri issued a statement this morning, saying "Larry Birkhead and I have terminated our attorney-client relationship effective immediately."

I hope this is going to work out for Larry and he has someone good representing him today!! Good Luck Larry!!


(source: TMZ)

UPDATE: Debra Opri has said that she terminated the relationship with Larry Birkhead because she was asked to do things that she ethically cannot do. She did not eleborate on this.

UPDATE on the UPDATE: TMZ is reporting that Birkhead sent Opri an email on Tuesday firing her.

Dannielynn Paternity Battle Rages

Last night on Larry King Live, attorneys for Larry Birkhead and Howard K Stern, forcefully told Larry King the same old thing that they've been saying for weeks. Nothing much new came to light, but it was interesting to see how dogged Stern's attorney's are that the Bahamian birth certificate means everything. Click here for a full transcript of the interview

Here's a few excerpts:

KING: Ron Rale, I'll make a statement. Is it true? No one knows who the father is. No one can really know who the father is until DNAs are taken...

RALE: I think that's a fair statement.

KING: You can say you're the father.

RALE: I think that's a fair statement.

Then Debra Opri, Larry Birkhead's attorney got her say:

OPRI: I want them to do a DNA test. I want that baby produced. I took Howard K. Stern into the Los Angeles jurisdiction and our judge said, under a new case, that man is coming in, because he's held himself out as the father. Neavitt sits here and has the audacity to tell you he's the presumed father under Bahamian law? Bahamian law needs a piece of paper. It doesn't need anything else. I filed in the California jurisdiction so Larry would have standing to go there. That birth certificate isn't worth the paper it's written on.

KING: The same statement for you I gave to them. No one knows who the father is, correct?

OPRI: Larry Birkhead is the father.

So, there you have it. Nothing has been resolved, and nothing is going to be resolved until Stern produces Dannielynn for a DNA test. Sigh.

Dr Perper even showed up at one stage, and no, I have no idea what that lump on his head is.

Birkhead Keeps Fighting

Larry Birkhead just came out of a courthouse in California with a big smile on his face, reports TMZ.


Birkhead's lawyer, Debra Opri, said she was confident that Stern would be made to come to California, and she also said that Stern "can't hide behind a fake birth certificate" and that his "feet will be held to the fire."

It's unclear to me if this means that Howard K Stern has to bring Dannielynn with him for testing as well, or exactly how Stern will be forced to appear, unless he's charged with something and extradited?

Ron Rale, attorney for Stern, did admit that private meetings have been held between Birkhead and Stern, but no agreements have been made.

You keep fighting Larry!!!

Debra Opri and attorneys for Howard K Stern will be appearing on Larry King Live tonight

Birkhead to Stern: NO DEALS!!

Larry Birkhead's attorney, Debra Opri, is stating that there will be no deals with Howard K. Stern. Stern has been trying to bully Larry Birkhead into a deal.

Opri has come out strongly and stated:

".... the only subject of negotiation is "how fast he [Stern] will produce the child for a DNA test and how quickly he will allow that child to go to California with her real father." (TMZ.com)

Yay!! Stay strong Larry!! This is the best move Opri can make on behalf of Birkhead. Hopefully the Bahamian court will order Stern to take Dannielynn for DNA testing and then she can can finally be with her real father!!

Stern to Birkhead: Sign For Dannielynn

Howard K Stern has been trying to make a backdoor deal with Larry Birkhead for custody of Dannielynn! reports Fox News. Stern is trying to make it look like everyone is going to be on the receiving end of money made from exclusive agreements with TV shows!!

"Howard wanted Larry to sign so that it looked like everyone was in agreement, and that it wasn't just Howard benefiting from these deals," my source said. "Larry said the baby's guardian should sign the papers for him and the baby, but he wouldn't. So then Larry wouldn't."

Birkhead it seems is sticking to his guns and and maintaining his integrity by refusing to sign anything. Debra Opri, Birkheads lawyer is clear that Birkhead will gain custody of Dannielynn without making any deals with Stern and by proving that he is the father with a DNA test.

TMZ is reporting something slightly different, that Birkhead wouldn't sign even though the money is going to a trust for Dannielynn. Hmmm. I really doubt that Howard!. Who is he trying to kid? We know you are in it for the money, Stern!!

Howard K Stern Lets Loose at Anna Nicole's Funeral
Anna Nicole's Funeral
Anna Nicole's Red Carpet Arrival

Birkhead Breaks Down in Courtroom

Larry Birkhead took to the stand again today in the Anna Nicole Smith burial case. Birkhead came across again as very sympathetic, and at one stage breaking down and crying when discussing Anna Nicole's drug use while she was pregnant. Birkhead told how he tried to hide the drugs from Anna Nicole, and how Stern and Anna told him she needed them to live.

Krista Bath introduced an email that Birkhead allegedly sent to Anna Nicole, saying that he couldn't believe how she had cheated on him, and all the shit she put him through. Bath made Birkhead read out the rest of the email, and it was clear that Birkhead was very upset that Anna Nicole had taken his child away from him.

Birkhead went on to describe how Stern had harassed him, to try and get him to say that he was not the father of Dannielynn.

Birkhead also said he had been approached by the media, and offered millions, to go to the Bahamas and knock on Anna Nicole's door and confront her. Birkhead stated that he has never accepted any offers that were made to him.

Birkhead continues to come across as a genuinely nice guy, and he truly believes that he is the father of Dannielynn. Stern looking more like an enabler, drug pusher and all around snake. Stern's relationship with Anna was basically "kept man".

In other news, CourtTV put up a poll that said that 72% of respondents did not believe Vergie Arthur's testimony yesterday. Right on - CourtTV watchers. Mia and I didn't believe her either!

Opri: Larry is the good guy

Larry Birkhead Takes The Stand

Larry Birkhead finally took the stand in the Anna Nicole Smith burial case yesterday afternoon. Birkhead came across as very sincere in his intentions and love for Anna Nicole.

Birkhead outlined his relationship with Anna Nicole, and said he was "nervous and excited" when she told him of her pregnancy, in February 2006. Anna Nicole had told Birkhead that he was the father and they had shopped together for the baby, and started a baby book. Birkhead also stated that Anna Nicole had miscarried their baby in 2005, so he was very excited for this baby.

Birkhead also said that he never actually physically saw Anna Nicole after a May 2006 argument, when she wouldn't go home with him and he had phoned Howard K Stern to come and get Anna. He did say they had kept in touch by phone and email until her death.

At one stage during the proceedings Birkhead was visibly upset. Birkhead takes the stand again at 10:30am today.

Judge Seidlin Impressed with Larry Birkhead
Stern Gave Drugs to sick Anna

Anna Nicole's Mother Takes The Stand, Can't Seem to Answer the Question

Vergie Arthur was on the stand all morning in the Anna Nicole Smith burial trial.Vergie seemed to have A LOT of memory issues. Here are some highlights from this mornings proceedings:
Click here to go to TMZ to see video

• Vergie couldn't remember when she first came into contact with Larry Birkhead, she finally said it was after Anna Nicole died.
• Vergie stated that she lost touch with Anna Nicole after Anna Nicole started to use drugs and stated that Howard K Stern drove them apart.
• Vergie said that she couldn't remember any conversations in the last 10 years with Anna Nicole about where Anna Nicole wanted to be buried. Richard Milstein (court appointed for Dannielynn), in cross examination finally got Vergie to admit that the last she knew, Anna Nicole wanted to be buried with the "Stars" in Hollywood. This is in direct contradiction to the reason Vergie is in court. She says that Anna Nicole wanted to be buried in Texas with her family.
• Vergie brought the courtroom to tears with her recounting of going to the Bahamas for Daniels birthday and being unable to find the grave and finally someone in the cemetery took pity on her and pointed to a grave with flowers on it. Vergie discovered that the flowers and the note were from Larry Birkhead!!
• Under cross examination from Krista Bath, Stern's Attorney, Vergie Arthur kept avoiding answering the question about wether she was paid $12,000 by Splash News for a video that Vergie made of a ceremony she held at the graveside of Daniel, Anna Nicole's son. Vergie kept deflecting the question by pointing at Stern and saying that Stern was the only one making any money from Anna Nicole's death. Judge Seidlin than asked that Bath produce some people from Splash News to testify as to wether Vergie Arthur was paid for the video.

Howard K. Stern takes the stand after the lunch break and then hopefully Larry Birkhead will have his chance to testify in this matter.

Mia and I have been sitting around with our mouths hanging open at Vergie Arthur's testimony. We think she is not telling the truth at all about not being paid for the video she took at Daniels graveside. This is just our opinion from what we have seen today. Time will tell, especially if the Splash News people can provide some evidence that contradicts Vergie.

UPDATE: Vergie Arthur admitted in court that her trip to the Bahamas was paid for by a third party. She went to the Bahamas with her sister in law and a friend of the family who works for Splash News. TMZ

"Anna Nicole Was My Goddess" - Stern.

Howard K Stern took the stand today at 12:15. He outlined how long he had known Anna Nicole (since 1996) and said of her "she was my whole world. My best friend, my lover, my goddess and the mother of my child".

Stern went on to describe their relationship as a "non-exclusive intimate relationship", which involved Anna Nicole having other boyfriends while she was with Stern, between the years of 2000-2007.

Krista Bath, Stern attorney, and Judge Seidlin, both questioned Stern. Stern outlined his relationship with Daniel Smith - "we were like brothers" and said that Daniel was "Anna's whole world".

Stern described looking for burial plots in Westwood, CA, in close proximity to the grave of Marilyn Monroe, as that was where Anna Nicole originally wanted to be buried, but it was cost prohibitive. Things changed of course when Daniel died last September in the Bahamas,and after much discussion,double plots were purchased in the Bahamas, and Daniel was laid to rest in one of the plots, and Stern contends that the other plot was for Anna Nicole, and "she always believed she would die young, like Marilyn Monroe".

Stern came across as very flat and factual, and didn't really show much emotion while he was on the stand. He is a lawyer and well accustomed to the courtroom.

For a period of time all the lawyers were in chambers with Judge Seidlin, so it was off camera. Larry Birkhead returned from chambers with a small smile on his face. I would love to know what went on in there. Birkhead and Stern are seated very close to each other, but from what I can see have not even acknowledged each other.

Just before court recess, it was agreed that Krista Bath, Stern's lawyer would bring into evidence tapes of interviews of Anna Nicole, where she is talking about her relationship with her mother Vergie Arthur. All lawyers argued for the full tapes of the interviews, not just the edited versions.

Mia and I are definitely on Team Larry Birkhead. After watching the sad video Stern took of Anna at 8 months pregnant, I just can't trust a word that Stern says.

Birkhead Lawyer Accuses Howard K Stern of Murder?

Birkhead Lawyer Accuses Howard K Stern of Murder?

The hearing into Anna Nicole Smith's burial continued today in Ft Lauderdale Fl. All the major players turned up. Howard K Stern caused pandemonium outside the courthouse on his arrival. Larry Birkhead and Vergie Arthur hugged in the courtroom. They appear united against the common enemy, Howard K Stern.

There was lots of talking and instruction from Judge Larry Seidlin, who jogged four miles this morning, and therefore "my head is very clear on all these issues".


The Judge also inexplicably asked Stern to get up and write Dannielynn's name down on a white board at the front of the courtroom. To prove what? I don't get it.

Ron Rale and Krista Bath - attorneys for Howard K Stern, battled to keep the jurisdiction of the court and the battle at hand narrowed to who gets custody of Anna Nicole's body for burial. They both seemed dead set against the court getting into the messy area of paternity. However, Judge Seidlin is all for the paternity of Dannielynn being discovered, as Seidlin believes that the paternity issue needs to be resolved for everyone's piece of mind and he also feels that the biological father of Dannielynn needs to have input into the burial of Anna Nicole Smith.

Krista Bath complained on the record to Judge Seidlin after Debra Opri went over to Howard K Stern and accused him directly of murdering Anna Nicole!!!! When Bath went on the record, Opri did not stand up and deny that she said it, however she looked at the judge and shook her head, implying that she didn't say it . Wow. That is totally amazing for a lawyer to get up in court and make accusations like that. Opri is a real wild card!

Judge Seidlin did not really react to Bath's accusation of the murder accusation - so maybe he didn't really belive that Opri said that? We wait to find out.

Larry Birkhead: "Anna was the love of my life"

Larry Birkhead will not be attending today's DNA hearing as he is "beyond distraught" over the death of Anna Nicole Smith, says Larry Birkhead's attorney Debra Opri.

Opri is on her way to the hearing, where she will ask a judge to order that Anna Nicole Smith's DNA be tested. Opri says "there is no known biological father at this point in time. Larry has been prevented from giving a DNA sample, Howard K. Stern has refused to give a DNA sample."

Anna Nicole's mother, Virgie Arthur is the only known biological living next of kin, and legal next of kin, and Opri says that Dannielynn should be handed over to Virgie Arthur until the whole issue of Dannielynn's paternity is decided.

Birkhead is exteremly upset over the sudden death yesterday of Anna Nicole Smith and has spoken out on his blog Larrybirkhead.net with a poem:

Chance brought us together, our love
couldn't keep us apart. We loved, we
laughed, we shared a connection that
couldn't be broken, regardless of
the
challenges. I loved her in life and I will
love her long after.

Our daughter, Dannielynn is a constant
reminder of the love we
shared and the
life that we desired.

My heart is broken, my
tears
are
endless. She called me her angel, I
called her my
sweet
potato, and
every
night before we went to sleep, she
made
me say to
her...........

"GOODNIGHT MY SWEET ANNA BABY"
ANNA
NICOLE SMITH 1967-2007

Birkhead has tirelessly maintained that he is Dannielynn's father and wishes to take custody of his daughter.

Many questions are surrounding the death of Anna Nicole:

Where there illegal drugs in the hotel room?
Will this turn into a murder investigation?
How much money does she really have?
Where exactly is Dannielynn right now?
Does Howard K Stern have any paternity rights in the Bahamas as he is named the father on Dannielynn's birth certificate?

Hopefully some of these questions will be answered later today when the coroner in Broward County, FL, releases his autopsy report.