National Enquirer Founder's Kin Ordered to Pay $138M for Looting NY Foundation

Reference TimelineLast updated MAR 3
SUMMARY

David Pope, former president and CEO of the Generoso Pope Foundation and grandson of the National Enquirer founder, was ordered by a New York judge on February 23, 2026, to pay $138 million for misusing foundation funds. As of February 23, 2026: Pope is liable for $82 million for improper uses and $52 million in punitive damages due to his "willful, wanton, and reckless" conduct. The lawsuit was initiated by Pope's own family members, including Marie-Therese Pope, who filed a lawsuit in 2020. This judgment follows a history of family disputes over the foundation's management, including allegations of mismanagement by Lois Pope and counter-allegations by Paul Pope dating back to 2006.

Timeline

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February 2026 — 1 developments

  1. David Pope, former president and CEO of the Generoso Pope Foundation, has been ordered by a New York judge to pay $138 million in damages for misusing foundation funds.

    David Pope, former president and CEO of the Generoso Pope Foundation, has been ordered by a New York judge to pay $138 million in damages for misusing foundation funds. The judgment includes $82 million for improper uses and $52 million in punitive damages due to his "willful, wanton, and reckless" conduct. The lawsuit was brought by Pope's own family members.

January 2026 — 1 developments

  1. The grandson of the National Enquirer founder, David A.

    The grandson of the National Enquirer founder, David A. Pope, has been ordered to pay $138 million for allegedly looting the family's New York foundation. This order follows a lawsuit accusing him of using foundation funds for self-serving purposes.

November 2024 — 1 developments

  1. The Generoso Pope Foundation files its Form 990-PF for the fiscal year ending December 2023, listing David A.

    The Generoso Pope Foundation files its Form 990-PF for the fiscal year ending December 2023, listing David A. Pope as President, Treasurer, and Director, and detailing compensation for key employees.

April 2023 — 1 developments

  1. An appeal taken to the Appellate Division from the March 29, 2022 order in the case of Marie-Therese Pope vs.

    An appeal taken to the Appellate Division from the March 29, 2022 order in the case of Marie-Therese Pope vs. Generoso Pope Foundation and David Pope is deemed withdrawn.

March 2022 — 1 developments

  1. The Supreme Court, New York County, enters an order in the case of Marie-Therese Pope vs.

    The Supreme Court, New York County, enters an order in the case of Marie-Therese Pope vs. Generoso Pope Foundation and David Pope.

January 2020 — 1 developments

  1. Marie-Therese Pope files a lawsuit against the Generoso Pope Foundation and David Pope, a grandson of Generoso Pope Jr.

    Marie-Therese Pope files a lawsuit against the Generoso Pope Foundation and David Pope, a grandson of Generoso Pope Jr., indicating a new phase of legal disputes concerning the foundation.

July 2015 — 1 developments

  1. Paul Pope wins a court order modifying a 2013 injunction, restoring his constitutional right to possess a firearm.

    Paul Pope wins a court order modifying a 2013 injunction, restoring his constitutional right to possess a firearm. He cited fears for his children's safety after his mother allegedly took out kidnapping insurance on them.

August 2013 — 1 developments

  1. A Forbes article details the ongoing and bitter feud between Lois and Paul Pope, highlighting allega…

    A Forbes article details the ongoing and bitter feud between Lois and Paul Pope, highlighting allegations of hidden offshore accounts and a 'made-for-television tragedy' of a wealthy dynasty torn apart by money and power.

June 2007 — 1 developments

  1. Paul Pope publicly alleges that his mother, Lois Pope, mismanaged his father's trust, claiming it grew less than 1% annually over a 17-year period, to $218 million.

    Paul Pope publicly alleges that his mother, Lois Pope, mismanaged his father's trust, claiming it grew less than 1% annually over a 17-year period, to $218 million.

January 2006 — 1 developments

  1. Lois Pope, Generoso Pope Jr.

    Lois Pope, Generoso Pope Jr.'s widow, sues her son Paul Pope for breach of contract. Paul counter-sues, alleging his mother mismanaged a marital trust established by his father.

October 1988 — 1 developments

  1. Generoso Pope Jr.

    Generoso Pope Jr., founder of the National Enquirer, dies, leaving behind an estate and trusts that would later become the subject of significant family disputes.