12-6-2023 (LOS ANGELES) Lady Gaga is taking a firm stance and refusing to pay a US$500,000 (S$671,000) reward for the return of her stolen French bulldogs, asserting that the woman who returned them was aware of the theft.
In February, the renowned singer-songwriter was sued by Jennifer McBride, the individual who handed over Gaga’s dogs two days after they were snatched from her dog walker. McBride demanded the “no questions asked” reward promised by Gaga for the safe return of her beloved pets.
However, Lady Gaga, aged 37, has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that McBride was involved in a conspiracy to steal the animals.
According to documents obtained by CBS News, Gaga’s attorneys stated, “Plaintiff Jennifer McBride seeks to profit from her participation in a crime. The law does not allow a person to commit a crime and then profit from it.”
Gaga’s legal team argues that McBride initially portrayed herself as a Good Samaritan who stumbled upon the dogs on the street and had no knowledge of their ownership by the Star Is Born actress. However, they contend that she was, in fact, a willing and informed participant in the criminal operation.
In December, McBride received a two-year probation sentence after pleading no contest to knowingly receiving stolen property.
McBride insists that she fulfilled her obligations under the terms of the reward agreement but claims that Lady Gaga had no intention of fulfilling her promise. Consequently, McBride is suing Gaga for breach of contract, fraud by false promise, and fraud by misrepresentation. She is also seeking compensation for legal fees, financial losses, pain and suffering, mental distress, and loss of quality of life. Gaga’s legal team counters that McBride has not suffered any damages in returning the dogs.
A hearing on the motion to dismiss the lawsuit is scheduled for July 10.
