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J.K. Rowling Sues Assistant For Swiping Harry Potter Merch And Using Her Credit Card To Buy Cats
Amanda Donaldson is alleged to have stolen valuable Harry Potter merchandise in addition to spending thousands of dollars of Rowling’s money to purchase everything from coffee to cosmetics to multiple pet cats.
J.K. Rowling, author of the world-famous “Harry Potter” book series, has filed a lawsuit against her former personal assistant, alleging that her ex-employee spent thousands of dollars of Rowling's money without permission and stole extremely valuable book memorabilia.
Rowling has sued Amanda Donaldson for $31,000, according to legal documents obtained by BBC News. Donaldson reportedly was employed by the author between February 2014 until April 2017, during which she allegedly used a credit card meant for business expenses to spend thousands on luxury candles, cosmetics, and Starbucks, in addition to purchasing two pet cats. She also stole cash from a safe used to house foreign currency, Rowling alleged, according to BBC News. The author also claimed that Donaldson, who was in charge of coordinating requests for memorabilia, stole numerous items worth thousands of dollars — including a “Hogwarts Express” toy worth more than $600 — without Rowling’s “knowledge or consent,” the outlet reports.
Donaldson, who was required to report her spending in monthly statements, was fired for “gross misconduct” after Rowling’s accountants noticed last February that an unusual amount of money was being used for “personal spending,” BBC News reports.
Donaldson has denied Rowling's allegations and claimed that her former employer has “not suffered any loss and is not entitled to damages,” according to the BBC News report.
Rowling has not commented publicly on her upcoming legal battle, but confirmed the existence of the suit via a statement from her representative, BBC News says.
“I can confirm J.K. Rowling has taken legal action against her former personal assistant, Amanda Donaldson, following her dismissal for gross misconduct involving a substantial breach of trust,” the statement reportedly reads. “As the case is not yet concluded we are not able to comment further and there won’t be any comment from J.K. Rowling.”
The case will reportedly be heard in court later this year.
[Photo: Getty Images]
