Katherine Heigl has recently found herself entangled in a contentious legal battle with a rescue dog owner over a six-figure financial disagreement. Court documents, procured by In Touch Weekly, reveal Alyssa Faith Deetman, the passionate head of a dog rescue organization, fiercely criticizing the Grey’s Anatomy star and her mother, Nancy Heigl, for their alleged conduct. Both Heigl women are also the driving forces behind the Jason Heigl Foundation.
Alyssa, who has filed a lawsuit against the Hollywood icon and her animal rescue enterprise, The Pitty Committee, asserts that their collaboration with Katherine’s nonprofit commenced in 2023. She further alleges in the lawsuit that the Ugly Truth actress, her mother, and the foundation promised to compensate her with $1,000 per animal, along with covering veterinary bills, training expenses, medical boarding, and other associated costs for dogs chosen by Nancy and rescued by Alyssa’s organization.
Moreover, Alyssa contends that Katherine’s nonprofit has tarnished her reputation within the dog rescue community. Consequently, she is seeking a staggering $349,000 in damages.
A fortnight later, Katherine and her mother, alongside their nonprofit, reportedly counter-sued Alyssa and her company for defamation, intentional interference, and breach of contract in a Los Angeles court. In their suit, they claim to have invested a substantial six-figure sum in saving animals in partnership with Alyssa. They accuse her of treating their donations as an unrestricted “blank check” and assert that their agreement expired in early 2024.
The actress’s lawyer pointed out, “Alyssa embarked on an online smear campaign against the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation and the Heigls, making false, defamatory, and derogatory accusations.” The Jenny’s Wedding star’s attorney added, “Alyssa sought to capitalize and exploit Katherine’s celebrity status in Hollywood and the animal rescue realm, rather than accepting the termination of their business relationship.”
In her newly submitted response to Katherine and Nancy’s lawsuit, Alyssa contends that their legal action is purely “retaliatory” and part of an ongoing attempt to discredit her. Meanwhile, Alyssa strives to reclaim $350,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, an amount that the actress and her mother steadfastly refuse to pay.
