Hollywood legend Maureen O’Hara has admitted she is heartbroken after launching a legal battle against her former PA.
A week after a woman who worked for U2 star Adam Clayton was jailed for seven years for embezzlement; Quiet Man star O’Hara lifted the lid on her own dispute with Carolyn Murphy, her former personal assistant.
The new dispute comes against a background of reports of elder abuse of O’Hara and a huge blow up between her family and Murphy.
Speaking at a press conference in a hotel near her West Cork home of Glengarriff, the flame haired beauty, now 91, almost broke down in tears as her legal team confirmed Murphy no longer works for her.
The conference also heard that Murphy’s power of attorney for the actress has been rescinded.
O’Hara then made a series of claims against Murphy and confirmed she has launched a full legal battle to secure access to her accounts and all deals involving her image rights and finances over the last three years.
Accompanied by her grandson Conor Fitzsimons and her New York lawyer Edward Fickless, O’Hara told journalists: “I am heartbroken.”
The damning statement from Maureen O’Hara, issued for public release at the conference, read:
“Recent situations, both in my personal life and the Maureen O’Hara Foundation have been the source of various rumors and false information. I therefore requested this press release to set the record straight.
“I trusted Carolyn Murphy, not only as my personal assistant, but also as my power of attorney for the past six years. I have recently made discoveries that give me grave concern regarding Carolyn Murphy’s handling of my affairs. I am astonished that she ignores pleas to provide the information we need to reconcile financial and personal property audits regarding those years.
“I recently revoked all aspects of the power of attorney, which I had formerly entrusted to Carolyn, and she is no longer my personal assistant. I also underwent testing to certify my own competence in conducting my affairs, and I am assisted by family members, trusted lawyers and accountants.
“Regarding the Maureen O’Hara Foundation, while that entity bears my name, I am not personally involved in its management or indeed operations. I am profoundly disappointed at how my original dream has been so distorted. I am praying and seeking guidance as to how I can bless my homeland, and all the Irish children, with the fruit of my artistic labors.
“I need answers to some disturbing questions because I feel like my trust has been violated. I want to know who holds the rights to my own name, image, likeness, movie memorabilia and signature. As for money and assets, my advisors must be provided the details of all documents and transactions – and there are many – done in my name over these past years.
“This is a very difficult time for me but in the midst of this turmoil, there is a silver lining – my family, previously isolated from me - is being restored! And for that, I am extremely grateful. As this investigation continues, I am confident my friends and acquaintances from all over will come forward with helpful information. I need your help, and your prayers.
Thank you! Maureen FitzSimons O’Hara B”
Already, the annual Maureen O’Hara film festival scheduled to take place in Glengarriff later this summer and organised by her foundation, has been cancelled.
O’Hara’s lawyer Fickless said his client had called the press conference in order to set the record straight with regard to reports circulating in the media in recent weeks.
He said: “The primary aim of the press conference is to quell rumours.”
Fickless also that confirmed Murphy’s power of attorney in relation to Ms O’Hara’s affairs had ended ‘around a month ago’.
Murphy and O’Hara had become close friends after meeting in Glengarriff in 1978.
A spokesperson for Murphy told reporters that she had been a true friend to Maureen O’Hara.
She said: “Carolyn Murphy has always acted in Ms O’Hara’s best interest and will continue to do so. She’s dealing with these unfortunate affairs in the appropriate way.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.LiamtheDream | Mar 20, 2013, 07:43 PM EDT
Sin a bfhuil a cara go leoir. go raibh maith agat. Slan agus Beannacht.
BoatmanGarnish | Oct 11, 2012, 07:13 AM EDT
I also know the family well and have heard the rumours about Carolyn Murphy. Many failed businesses and scare tactics to anybody who would oppose her family. And what friendship ? This is total disinformation . They were casual acquaintances before 2006. The looming court date is about the enduring POA and not about guilt or innocence. It's about control. Carolyn Murphy should move back to the United States because she will forever be affiliated to Maureen O'Hara and her unfortunate escape from Ireland.
Dutchess | Oct 10, 2012, 10:21 AM EDT
Carolyn Murphy's name is already tarnished. She is well known for her defamation lawsuits against anybody who speaks badly about her. The family has been long suspicious of her thanks to many people who have been warning them for many years. Elder abuse takes many forms. Manipulating an aging Hollywood icon for the benefit of a Foundation that will provide job security for the Murphy family is revolting and pathetic. The family has every right to depose her and care for Ms. O'Hara. It's Carolyn Murphy who has methodically and in the most sinister way harmed Ms. O'Hara and her family. It's Carolyn Murphy who will owe the apology to the family and all of Ireland !
bride2be | Aug 31, 2012, 02:30 PM EDT
until you know BOTH parties as I do, please do not make accusations about them or the other. This whole RIDICULOUS situation is exactly that; stupid and childish. Murphy was a wonderful caregiver and now the family is throwing ideas into Maureen's head, trying to make sure they have their fair share or inheritance. The courts will see the truth, and as a family member as I am to maureen, i believe murphy's name will be cleared. i hope for peace on both sides because this was a friendship dating back years and years, and i hope that maureen's immediate family doesn't cause murphy any more harm than they already have. and i hope when she is found innocent, that the whole family will apologize for destroying carolyn's good name.
norinalundy | Jul 19, 2012, 12:17 PM EDT
I am so sorry for her. She worked so hard to earn what she did, and she did not deserve to be scammed be this woman or anyone. If it was indeed this woman who took advantage of her, it remains to be seen by the courts, and justice will prevail. My prayers will be with Ms. O'Hara because she is a good woman and her heart is in the right place as she hopes to help those in her homeland; this alone will find out who did wrong.
merefalow | Jul 15, 2012, 03:48 AM EDT
its sickening that people who are given such positions of trust,lucrative in their own right,still feel the need through greed to betray that trust,money, is the root of all evil they say,we are being provided with the proof of that statement daily.
Mousemess | Jul 15, 2012, 01:42 AM EDT
Nil cuma sona in a suile. Feicim imni iontu. Ta se an-bronach go bhfuil an-imni uirthi san aois a bhfuil si ann i dtaobh gach uile rud aigeadaiochta. There is not a happy look in her eyes. I see worry in them. It's very sad that she so worried at her age about everything of money management.
Mousemess | Jul 15, 2012, 01:05 AM EDT
BrianO, Gabh mo leithsceal ach.... Nil an t-alt seo i dtaobh Obama agus an NAACP ar aon chor. Ta an t-alt seo i dtaobh Mairin Ni Eadhra is Mairin Ni Eadhra amhain. Dar liom go bhfuil tusa ar an sceal micheart. Excuse me but... This article is not about Obama and the NAACP in any way. This article is about Maureen O'Hara and Maureen O'Hara only. Seems to me that you are on the wrong story.
irishamrep | Jul 13, 2012, 05:04 PM EDT
This is a disgrace! That woman deserves better than this. Prayers are coming your wat Ms O'Hara! I didn't know she was alienated from her family? Too bad she alway's was so close to the neices and nephews! I hope Murphy didn't cause that too?
greenriverkate | Jul 13, 2012, 03:57 PM EDT
This wonderful woman has given nothing but pleasure to Americans and to her fans. I just can't believe anyone would disrespect her in such a way. She deserve so much from all of us for all her years. Thank you. I can't tell you how furious this episode has angered me.
donal1951 | Jul 13, 2012, 03:17 PM EDT
My father hated going to see a film. The one exception was any movie with Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne. I always enjoyed John Wayne movies, but Da taught me to enjoy Miss O'Hara's work in films ranging from The Quiet Man to McClintock! She has my prayers and my support for whatever that of a poor country priest is worth these days.
Judy Sexton | Jul 13, 2012, 02:49 PM EDT
My mistake in naming Maureen O'Hara's name in The Quiet Man...it was Mary Cate Danaher! Sorry, Miss O'Hara...I was so excited to read the article of you changing that PA you had! Once again, you do the right thing, always! I have loved and adamired you since 1952.
Maggiemay212 | Jul 13, 2012, 02:23 PM EDT
Would someone who knows how to contact Ms. O'Hara let her know I am more than willing and available to become her new assistant? I have admired her my entire life, wanted to become her when I grew up. She deserves much better in her life than this situation. I currently run a property for low income seniors and I am fiercely protective of each of them. I have decades of administrative assistant and public relations experience. I also noted that her foundation's web page is not working correctly, which I could easily take care of. Would love to help, don't want your power of attorney, will work for free! Bless you Ms. O'Hara...
Claire2 | Jul 13, 2012, 02:15 PM EDT
Kind of interesting that her family are back supporting her now. Saw Maureen O'Hara on Irish TV a few nights ago. Was very shocked to see how much she has aged since I last saw her, which was not too long ago. Felt rather sad to see it.
BrianO | Jul 13, 2012, 01:46 PM EDT
Has anyone seen the article on Obama skipping the NAACP convention or dismissing the Border patrol in the bordering states can't seem to find it.
Ms.Gail | Jul 13, 2012, 01:43 PM EDT
I am so sorry for Maureen O'Hara. I hope it is straightened to her satisfaction quickly. At her age she deserves to not have this stress. Good for her grandson for standing by her. My mother of 91 recently passed away and the idea of taking advantage of such a person stabs my heart.
jamieLM | Jul 13, 2012, 10:49 AM EDT
irishcoffeekid, very well said. I'm just pleased to hear that Ms. O'Hara has taken action. Too many people get away with taking advantage of elderly people. It's elder abuse and it's disgusting and shameful.
irishcoffeekid | Jul 13, 2012, 08:28 AM EDT
how sad - she is completely right to get hold of all copyright around her name, her fame and her wealth. Whether Murphy has done anything wrong remains to be seen but if she hasnt then she'll hand over anything that pertains to Maureen O Hara right away. Noone is going to want to touch Murphy with a barge pole if she's doing anything illegal behind O'Hara's back. At her age she doesnt need the stress of this hanging over her. Hopefully her family, now that they are back supporting her, are honorable in caring for her from here on!