‘Runaway bride,’ former fiancé drop lawsuits

Wilbanks sued Mason over book deal; he targeted her for fleeing altar

John Bazemore / AP	Jennifer Wilbanks, shown in a June 2, 2005 photo, has dropped her lawsuit against her former fiancé over a book deal.

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updated 8:16 p.m. ET Jan. 12, 2007

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - The “runaway bride” and her former fiancé have dropped lawsuits they filed against each other last year.

Jennifer Wilbanks and John Mason withdrew the lawsuits in court documents filed last month.

Wilbanks became known as the runaway bride after fleeing before her 2005 wedding and making up a story about being kidnapped and sexually assaulted, a ploy to cover up the fact that she got cold feet and went to New Mexico.

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Wilbanks sued Mason in September 2006. She claimed that while she was hospitalized and under medication after returning to Atlanta, Mason obtained a power of attorney, allowing him to handle her finances.

She claimed Mason then made a $500,000 deal with a publisher in New York in mid-2005 for the couple to tell their unusual story. Wilbanks said Mason used the money to buy a house, then kicked her out and didn't give her any of the money.

Mason denied he stole the money and filed a counter claim that said he should receive money for the emotional distress of being left at the altar.

"It is over and we're very relieved," said Mason's mother, Vicki Mason. She declined to discuss details of the latest filing.

Mason's and Wilbanks' attorneys did not immediately return messages left at their offices Friday afternoon.