A man who scooped the second largest Mega Millions jackpot is now suing his daughter’s mother for telling his parents about his life-changing win.
The lucky player, identified as John Doe, reportedly sued his daughter’s mother, identified as Sara Smith, for a 6-figure compensation for violating their non-disclosure agreement.
It was in January when Doe purchased the winning ticket at Hometown Gas & Grill in Lebanon, Maine.
In February, Smith signed a non-disclosure agreement to keep the winning a secret through June 1, 2032, when their daughter turns 18.
“Due to the unique safety, security, and privacy concerns associated with winning the lottery, Defendant agreed to enter into a Non-Disclosure Agreement (“NDA”) with John Doe to promote the safety and security of John Doe, Defendant, and their daughter and to avoid the irreparable harm of allowing the media or the public in general to discover, inter alia, John Doe’s identity, physical location, and assets,” the court filing said.
But in September, Doe found out that Smith told his father and stepmother over the phone about his status.
After Smith’s disclosure, Doe’s sister also learned that he won the jackpot.
“As a result of Defendant’s unauthorized disclosures, John Doe has suffered irreparable injury, and there is immediate and imminent danger that John Doe will continue to suffer irreparable injury for which there is no adequate remedy at law,” the court filing added.
Doe is now suing Smith for $100,000 per unauthorized disclosure.
One internet user commented: “What is it about some women that makes them think they’re entitled to enter into a agreement & then ignore the agreement? Is it a power move? Revenge? I hope he takes her to the cleaners.”
Another wrote: “The dark side of the lottery…”
A third said: “Maybe he wanted to be quietly generous rather than fight the crowds of people who will come knocking on his door with worthy causes. I would not tell anyone if I won- I feel his pain.”
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