It was a good idea while it lasted.
Amy Winehouse's bereaved father, Mitch Winehouse, has been forced to return money raised from fans for a foundation in the Grammy-winning singer's memory because he says some enterprising "d--khead" already owns the Internet domain for it.
Now that's frank.
Mitch dropped the bad news on his Twitter page, explaining that the prankster registered the name "Amy Winehouse Foundation" in hopes of cashing in on the rush to honor the late singer.
"We all have to bombard the tabloids websites to put pressure on this d--k head who stole our foundation name," tweeted the elder Winehouse, noting, "Instead of concentrating on allocating funding I am having to send cheques back cos we don't haven't got bank ac in that name."
No word why he was unable to open a bank account despite not having the domain name.
In any case, the taxi driver turned jazz musician added that he's sicced his lawyers on the person who he said was "Trying to sell [the domain] name" and also going so far as to try and contact Winehouse's ex-hubby, Blake Fielder-Civil, in jail to set up the foundation.
"Blake? Can you imagine," Mitch wondered.
Consequently, since he doesn't quite have the foundation's financial house in order, he felt compelled to give back to donations until he can sort the whole mess out.
Winehouse announced the formation of the Amy Winehouse Foundation on the same day as Amy's funeral on July 27, and the domains were snapped up shortly thereafter.
The.family has said the foundation will help children and young people not only with substance abuse problems but with other needs as well.
Authorities have yet to say conclusively what caused the sudden passing of the "Rehab" crooner, who was found dead in her bed at her London home on July 23. While her death was not ruled suspicious, the coroner will not issue a final ruling until toxicology test results come back in the next few weeks.