Brad Pitt founded the Make It Right Foundation in 2007, with the aim of providing homes to people in need. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Pitt was inspired to help rebuild the community in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, by providing housing for people who had lost their homes during the tragic event.
Sadly, Pitt’s plans weren’t completely successful, and in 2018, it was reported that a class-action lawsuit had been brought against the actor and his foundation, citing unfair trade practices, breach of contract, and fraud, via Nola.com. As noted by the site, Pitt’s lawyers attempted to get his name removed from the lawsuit, despite the actor’s involvement in the project. According to Dezeen, the homes built by the Make It Right Foundation suffered from a number of serious issues, including foundation problems, water leaks, and black mold.
In 2022, Pitt and his foundation agreed to pay a $20.5 million settlement to residents, which equated to approximately $25,000 for each of the 107 homeowners on the site, via Nola.com. It was also revealed that California-based nonprofit Global Green would be footing the bill for the settlement, with the organization having close ties to Pitt and Make It Right. In a statement via Dezeen, Pitt said, “I am incredibly grateful for Global Green’s willingness to step up and provide this important support for the Lower Ninth families.”
