National Enquirer Founder's Kin Ordered to Pay $138M for Looting NY Foundation
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.
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2026
2 updatesDavid 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.
via nytimes.com
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.
via hotsheet.com
2024
1 update
2024
1 updateThe 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.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
2023
1 update
2023
1 updateAn 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from the March 29, 2022 order in the case of Marie-Therese Pope vs. Generoso Pope Foundation and David Pope is deemed withdrawn.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
2022
1 update
2022
1 updateThe Supreme Court, New York County, enters an order in the case of Marie-Therese Pope vs. Generoso Pope Foundation and David Pope.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
2020
1 update
2020
1 updateMarie-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.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
2015
1 update
2015
1 updatePaul 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.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
2013
1 update
2013
1 updateA 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.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
2007
1 update
2007
1 updatePaul 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.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
2006
1 update
2006
1 updateLois 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.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
1988
1 update
1988
1 updateGeneroso Pope Jr., founder of the National Enquirer, dies, leaving behind an estate and trusts that would later become the subject of significant family disputes.
via investmentnews.com·forbes.com·prnewswire.com·assets.alm.com
2020
Story began · 5 years, 6 mo ago