A British court has rejected a lawsuit brought by the father of deceased singer Amy Winehouse against two friends who made over $1.2 million selling the performer’s personal belongings at auction.
Mitch Winehouse, serving as his daughter’s estate administrator, took legal action against Naomi Parry and Catriona Gourlay in London’s High Court, claiming the pair had no legal authority to sell items worth approximately 890,000 pounds.
The Grammy-winning artist passed away at age 27 in 2011 due to alcohol poisoning at her London residence.
Both women defended their actions, with Parry, who worked as Winehouse’s stylist, and Gourlay maintaining they legitimately owned or were gifted the collection of 150 pieces, which featured clothing, accessories, jewelry and handbags.
Court records show Parry collected $878,000 from 56 items sold through Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles during 2021, with the silk minidress from Winehouse’s final Belgrade, Serbia concert alone bringing in $243,200. Gourlay received $344,000 for her 85 items.
Following Deputy Judge Sarah Clarke’s decision to throw out Mitch Winehouse’s claims that the duo lacked permission to conduct the sales, Parry celebrated the ruling.
“The High Court has cleared my name, unequivocally and in full, after years of deeply damaging and unfounded allegations brought by Mitch Winehouse,” Parry stated. “This was not a partial outcome or a matter of nuance. The claim has failed entirely. It should never have been brought.”
