Scandal At The National Enquirer (No, Not Reported By the National Enquirer)

Scandal has erupted over the fortune of the owner of theNational Enquirer, Lois Pope. Her son, Paul Pope, has claimed that his mother“is squandering his father’s fortune on private jets for her dogs, $100,000Mercedes for her gardener and other perks of a lavish lifestyle.” He also madewhat seems to be a rather absurd claim that his mother is planningto kidnap his children for leverage. Lois responded by filing a restrainingorder against her son, claiming that he has started stalking her to obtain money. Lois claimedthat her son has continued to harass her after she recently refused to give him any more of money she earned from the sale of the National Enquirer. She argues that her son is bad with money, runs out, and always asks forher help. This whole episode has devastated Lois Pope because it is ruining herreputation.

The problems here started following the death of thefounder of the National Enquirer and Paul’s father in 1988. Even though Paulhoped to take over the publication, it was sold for $400 million. His widow,Lois, received $200 million for the publication, while Paul only received $20million. Lois claimed that Paul spent his $20 million by 2008 and has beenasking for money from her ever since. So far Lois has given him $16 millionmore. According to the Daily Mail, “she claims that his constant requests formore money have made her fearful for her safety.” Paul currently operates awebsite that displays all of his allegations.

See Bitter FeudBetween Mother and Son Heirs of $200M National Enquirer Inheritance Results InCourt Battle Fit For The Tabloid Magazine That Made Them Rich, Daily Mail,Apr. 12, 2013.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.