JK Rowling‘s former assistant is in hot water, as the bestselling author has filed a £24,000 (roughly $3,1137, US) lawsuit against Amanda Donaldson, for misusing her business credit card to buy cosmetics, candles, Starbuck’s and more. It is also alleged that Donaldson stole foreign money from a safe, worth £7,742 (∼$10,044) and thousands of dollars/pounds-worth of ‘Harry Potter’ toys and memorabilia. Donaldson, who worked for Rowling from February 2014 to April 2017, refutes these claims.
As part of her job, Donaldson had to submit statements and receipts to accountants each month, but last February, discrepancies were detected.
These are the charges that Rowling states that Donaldson made to her business credit card:
- £823 (∼$1,067) at Bibi Bakery
- £1,482 (∼$1,922) at luxury candle company Jo Malone
- £3,629 (∼$4,708) in cosmetic firm Molton Brown
- £2,139 (∼$2,775) in card shop Paper Tiger
- £1,636 (∼$2,122) in Starbucks
Davidson reportedly also bought two cats worth £1,200 (∼$1,556… for two CATS?!) and withdrew £400 (∼$519) in cash which was intended to be used for a “deposit for a restaurant lunch” but Rowling’s husband Neil Murray was informed that no deposit was paid to the restaurant.
In addition, Davidson was responsible for handling memorabilia requests from fans, and used her position to steal a Harry Potter motorized Hogwarts Express worth £467.56 (∼$606), a Harry Potter Wizard Collection worth £2231.76 (∼$2895) and a Harry Potter Tales of Beedle The Bard Set worth £395 (∼$512).
A Rowling spokesperson announced:
“I can confirm JK Rowling has taken legal action against her former personal assistant, Amanda Donaldson, following her dismissal for gross misconduct involving a substantial breach of trust.
“As the case is not yet concluded we are not able to comment further and there won’t be any comment from JK Rowling.”
Donaldson attests that Rowling has “not suffered any loss and is not entitled to damages” from her. The case is expected to go to court before the end of the year.
True, JK Rowling has more money than God, but that doesn’t mean people can just help themselves to her cash and collectibles! Check back for updates as this case unfolds.
Source: BBC