August 29, 2008

Hilary Duff's Dad Jailed Following Birthday-Party Court Battle

By Jocelyn Vena (MTV.com)

Hilary and Haylie Duff's father, Bob Duff, was sentenced to 10 days in jail after he was found in contempt of court in Houston on Wednesday (August 28), according to the Houston Chronicle. The Duff parents were in a Harris County court to determine the fate of Hilary's 21st birthday party.

Hilary's mother, Susan Duff, wanted her ex-husband to contribute $25,000 to a birthday party and gift for the young star, the same amount he gave to Haylie, now 23, two years ago. Hilary turns 21 on September 28.

The sisters' mother claimed that the $10,000 her husband pays her in interim support each month is "not even enough to pay my own bills" and that she relies on Hilary, whom Bob's lawyer referred to as her "adult millionaire daughter," for financial support. She added that the actress is "emotionally upset by the abandonment of her father" and deserves "to have some kind of recognition for a young life well-lived."

When asked where her ex would get the money to afford the lavish party and gift she replied, "I know he's a millionaire, and he's got the funds."

During Bob's time on the stand, he agreed that Hilary should have the same gifts as her older sister. He was then ordered to pay $12,500 toward the party.

The real trouble came when he was found in contempt of court for violating an injunction against selling assets without court approval. He was ordered to pay the money he earned from selling stocks last month into a court repository - a total of $367,537.

His lawyer, Robert Piro, plans to file an appeal. When Susan saw her ex-husband being dragged away in handcuffs she was heard saying, "This isn't what I wanted."