Katherine Heigl Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Dog Rescue Organization: Report
Katherine Heigl has initiated a defamation lawsuit against a California dog rescue.
As per court documents acquired by Us Weekly, Heigl, 46, along with her mother, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday, March 5, against The Pitty Committee and its owner, Alyssa Deetman. Heigl and her mother operate the Jason Heigl Foundation, named in honor of Katherine’s late brother, and their foundation had previously collaborated with the rescue organization.
The lawsuit alleges that Deetman disseminated false information regarding the foundation and mismanaged funds, adversely affecting the foundation’s ability to function within the rescue sector. Heigl accuses Deetman of defamation, intentional interference with potential economic advantage, and breach of contract, seeking a jury trial to resolve the matter.
The Jason Heigl Foundation commenced its partnership with The Pitty Committee in January 2023. Established in 2008, the foundation aims to address the pet population crisis by providing affordable spay and neuter services and supporting non-profit animal rescues.
The two organizations agreed that the foundation would make a monthly donation in return for the animal rescue securing a “minimum prescribed number of dogs” chosen by the foundation.
Heigl’s complaint stated that Deetman treated the foundation’s contributions like a “blank check,” and sought additional funds outside of their original agreement. The foundation claimed that when they requested further information regarding the possible extra funds, their inquiries went “unanswered and unexplained.”
The foundation asserted that it upheld its end of the agreement while Deetman and The Pitty Committee did not.
After a year of collaborating with The Pitty Committee, the Jason Heigl Foundation chose not to renew its contract and allowed the previous agreement to lapse. The organization cited a lack of transparency and financial concerns as the primary reasons for its exit.
However, following the foundation’s decision to terminate the partnership, they claimed that Deetman launched an “online smear campaign” against them.
Deetman allegedly remarked in a TikTok video that “The Jason Heigl Foundation is a scam. Another celebrity phony who uses animal advocacy as a shield.” She also claimed they “stick [the dogs] into tiny kennels where they are forgotten about.”
This social media post was made on the same day that Deetman purportedly “sang the praises” of Heigl, her mother, and their foundation while seeking to revisit their partnership.
According to the documents, Deetman also allegedly recognized the financial mismanagement and commended the “good, amazing solid work” done by the Jason Heigl Foundation.
