Rumors have been swirling for a while now about R&B star Fantasia’s financial situation, however it seems that things really aren’t going so well for the American Idol winner; her home is set to be auctioned off (to pay for her debts) next Monday: CHARLOTTE, NC – Fantasia Barrino – who faces the loss of her $1.3 million home here in a debtor’s auction set for noon Monday – is apparently ignoring the looming legal threat, officials told The Post yesterday.
The inspirational “American Idol” winner owes a Florida credit company $65,000 – money she borrowed in 2006 to pay back taxes she owed the IRS.
The singer made a $10,000 payment in August 2007. But she never paid the rest, so the company won the right in court last month to auction off her house for the balance.
Mecklenburg County sheriff’s deputies, who are responsible for enforcing civil court orders, have tried at least a dozen times to reach Barrino at the home and by phone, said Sgt. J.W. England, a supervisor of civil judgments.
A deputy spoke a couple of times to Barrino’s mother, but never reached the star, who appears to be ignoring attempts to save her house, officials said.
“We try very hard and give the defendant every opportunity to pay,” England said yesterday.
Over the course of about a year, Barrino has never responded to court documents, and no lawyer ever appeared in court to represent her, said Larry Goldman, a Charlotte attorney representing the credit company, Broward Energy Management.
“I certainly don’t want anyone to lose their house,” Goldman said. “But as far as I’m concerned, we have a judgment.”
Barrino, 24, has made no payments and filed no documents since The Post reported a court-ordered lien on the property in Charlotte’s upscale Piper Glen neighborhood last month.
Goldman said he never heard from Barrino’s representatives until after the judge’s order. He said he has since spoken twice with reps who haven’t offered to resolve the debt but said they’d get back in touch before next Monday.
“My client has continuously asked me why they won’t just pay it,” Goldman said. “I just don’t have an answer.”
Barrino’s attorney, Gary Greenberg declined to comment yesterday.
“It’s my practice not to talk about client matters,” he said.
Barrino’s agent, Erin Culley, referred questions to the singer’s publicist but was unable to provide contact information for that person. {Source}
Ouch. Here’s hoping the situation is resolved ASAP. Though this does kinda have me wondering where all Fanny’s Oprah ‘Color Purple’ cheques and the money she’s made since hitting it big have gone?
Your thoughts?
Not really anticipating her album. But there is something to be said about young artist — and not just young artist — but young black artist — and not just young black artist — but young black artist who aren't adequately educated, and how they spend their money.
The notion that she thought that she could afford a $250,000 Mercedes Benz was ficticious to begin with. Everyone knows that a record deal is nothing more than a glorified loan. The record company loans the artist enough money to create a record, once released, it is up to the artist to pay back a portion of the money loaned for the project.
Fantasia's record sales have slumped in a major way, just like all the other medium-popular R&B artist out there. On top of that clearly, she believed that she had "made it" and began spending money widly. Two homes in Charollete, NC one almost foreclosed in 2005, another auctioned off in early 2009…one really has to question who is advising her.
Ultimately the blame will fall on her, education about finances or common sensical (within your means) spending habits are always best. We know that nothing last forever, she may be making money now, but whose to say what will happen in the next year or two with her career. Keep that money in an account Fantasia, that $250,000 should be earning interest somewhere not in your driveway.
very insightful post up here, well done. And it’s refreshing seeing an intelligent comment instead of ‘SHEZ NOT BEYONCE’.
i’m really anticipating her new album. it’s been too long.
having said that, these artists need to live WITHIN their means. hire an accountant. manage their finances better. i mean, seriously.
the first comment said it all in a nutshell; very well written.
Fantasia shoulda had someone with her best interests at heart overseeing her spending. I know people always say “If I had that money I wouldn’t waste it” but I guess it’s easy to get sucked into spending when you THINK you have it. Sucks for her.
Looking forward to her album too. No more “Hood Boy” though lol
I like Fantasia, but she should sell her car and ask Oprah for a loan. If she truly only owes $65,000 she needs to get the money asap and pay the people off before they auction her home.
I'm not anticipating her album.
The only song by her that I really like is "When I See U." "I Believe," was alright but yeah I really on't prefer her voice!
IT IS SAD ABOUT HER HOUSE/financial situation, but she was stupid for over spending, yes ppl say if I were famous/rich I would never be in debt, but some are 4 real, why have a BMW/Mercedes in your first 2-3 years of fame, when a Honda/Acura can do you the same and look just as nice…
Prioritize your spendings, and you always need a savings acct. Duh!
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I can't wait for Fantasia's next album. Fantasia's last album was amazing. Definitely one of the best R&B offerings this decade. Such an incredible singer too. She puts other singers to shame. She is the best voice this generation, so it's sad to see her having fallen on hard times. Hopefully she can get through these financial problems and learn to control her spending.
It's a shame to see an album as brilliant as Fantasia not even making it in the Top 10 in the billboard albums charts, especially when you see the rubbish in there.
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The first comment is the kind of thing i like to hear (i agree with number two) and it also doesn’t say the word hater. I’m looking forward to a fantasia album, but to be honest i didn’t think there was going to be one. Although i’ve enjoyed her albums i think she needs to go more commercial to make some sales and recoup some funds… but not in the brandy way. Shame about the house.
Here is the lawsuit:
http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/eyoqdhyugea6nyi7y7hz2ft7fhv6xdr2jdu7g4hm4qan5c5tdai37gpujnetcmlgeobyoqtcbdlovc5z3w4er6aw25h/BarrinoReal.pdf
and this is the mansions address:
5500 BEVINGTON PLACE
CHARLOTTE, NC 28277
I can’t wait for her next album. She is in a league of her own when it comes to singing and puts every contemporary artist with undeserved success and a measly voice to shame. Fantasia has worked hard to get where she’s at and I believe just as Britney made a comeback, that 09 will be Fantasia’s year and she’ll really break out into superstardom with this new music…
That mansion is pretty ugly… then again, I never took Fantasia as having much good taste.
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