REPORT: DEBRA OPRI HOLDING LARRY BIRKHEAD’S MONEY

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Larry Birkhead‘s former lawyer Debra Opri is allegedly holding some of his earnings hostage in a trust fund, according to a new report from TMZ. Larry reportedly made $1,050,000 from a deal with NBC Universal for interviews that aired on Bravo network and the Today show, but the first installment of the money — $850,000 — was deposited in Debra Opri’s client trust fund account.

According to TMZ’s report, Opri released $200,000 to Birkhead but kept $650,000 of the money from Larry — who has yet to pay his legal bills. This is said to be the reason Birkhead fired Opri, according to TMZ, and Birkhead is looking into whether he can seek legal action against Opri.

UPDATE:

Larry Birkhead filed a lawsuit against Debra Opri on Friday, claiming fraud and legal malpractice.

In the suit, Birkhead says: "Opri placed her own career desires and needs as a priority over the needs, interests and desires of her own client."

Birkhead claims Opri offered to represent him free of charge, because "the publicity from her representation of Plaintiff would greatly benefit Opri’s legal career."

According to TMZ, Birkhead is seeking at least $885,000 in damages.