Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Project Faces Setback in $20.5 Million Lawsuit
Brad Pitt is encountering complications in the $20.5 million legal action concerning his Make It Right Project.
Launched in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the initiative aimed to construct environmentally friendly residences in New Orleans, replacing homes destroyed by the flooding.
Project Origins and Current Legal Challenges
Pitt invested $12 million through Make It Right to build 150 sustainable homes. However, nearly two decades later, homeowners have initiated a class-action lawsuit against him and his non-profit organization.
Numerous residences have reportedly developed mold and other severe structural problems.
Court Victory for Homeowners: Discovery Documents Ordered
The homeowners’ legal representation, Ron Austin Law, achieved a significant triumph when the court mandated Make It Right to disclose crucial documents during the discovery phase of the lawsuit.
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Reports indicate Pitt attempted to avoid deposition, citing conflicts with his film production schedule.
Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Project faces legal challenges. Pictured in 2023.
Pitt launched the project following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to construct sustainable housing in New Orleans. Pictured in 2007.
Pitt’s Legal Team Attempts to Avoid Deposition
Pitt was initially listed as a witness, but his legal team submitted a motion to prevent his deposition.
They argued that Pitt lacked pertinent information relevant to the ongoing legal proceedings.
According to court documents, the motion stated, “Mr. Pitt’s motion picture production schedule presents concerns that extend beyond his personal time.”
The motion further elaborated on potential disruptions to film production, stating that “Mr. Pitt’s absence from film production in the event of a deposition could cause major scheduling issues with potential legal and financial consequences for the studio.”
The legal filing also mentioned Pitt’s anticipated location in Europe for several months, making an in-person deposition “costly and time-consuming.”
The motion, filed in April 2024 and recently brought to public attention, was deemed moot in June because the discovery process was still underway.
Deteriorating Homes and Homeowner Grievances
Make It Right constructed 109 homes in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, an area particularly devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
These residences were intended to be a lifeline for families who had lost their homes in the city’s most impoverished neighborhood.
Brad Pitt’s Make It Right project aimed to rebuild homes in hurricane-affected areas sustainably. Pictured in 2024.
$12 million was invested in 150 sustainable homes; however, homeowners have filed a class-action lawsuit.
Issues such as mold have plagued many of the Make It Right homes. Pictured in 2024.
However, the homeowners’ lawsuit alleges substandard construction and years of struggle to compel Pitt’s foundation to cover extensive repair costs.
The lawsuit accuses the foundation of mismanaging the ambitious building project, citing “deficient construction” and “defective products.”
Residents Lloyd Francis and Jennifer Decuir initiated the initial lawsuit in 2018, which subsequently moved to federal court.
The organization faces accusations of fraud, breach of contract, and unfair trade practices.
Resident Concerns: Toxic Mold and Health Issues
Homeowners have previously voiced concerns about “toxic mold and high CO2 levels,” which they attribute to health problems.
A legal representative familiar with the lawsuit described the situation to The Sun as “a very difficult situation for anyone whose home was impacted.”
“This unfortunate situation has been ongoing for some time, and it is hoped that the current litigation will hold those responsible for managing this project accountable.”
Failed Settlement and Continued Legal Battle
In 2022, the celebrity-backed charity Global Green reportedly agreed to a $20.5 million settlement on behalf of Make It Right and Brad Pitt.
Homeowners’ legal team secured a court order for Make It Right to release discovery documents. Pictured in 2024.
However, the settlement collapsed due to Global Green’s alleged lack of funds and the presumption that Pitt would contribute financially.
Pitt maintains he never approved the agreement with Global Green.
A spokesperson for Pitt stated to The Hollywood Reporter in 2023, “Brad had supported Global Green many years ago, so when they approached his team stating ‘$20.5M in funding’ had been secured by their ‘generous donors,’ there was interest in considering their proposal.”
“Global Green represented themselves as having already obtained these funds and planned to use them toward resolving all claims in the ongoing lawsuit for the benefit of the homeowners.”