Tyra Banks in Legal Hot Water Over Ice Cream Business
Tyra Banks is facing a legal battle involving her ice cream venture, Smize & Dream. The supermodel is fighting a landlord who she claims is trying to misuse her celebrity status for a financial gain.
The disagreement started when Christopher Powell, the building owner, sued Tyra and her business partner, Louis Bélanger-Martin. Powell alleges they signed a 10-year lease for a location in Washington, D.C., back in April 2024. He claims to have invested thousands to prepare the space but argues that Tyra went behind his back, opening a facility in Sydney, Australia instead.
Tyra, who lives in Australia, insists the landlord should have known about her relocation. In court documents, she describes Powell’s actions as a “celebrity shakedown,” asserting that he is misleadingly trying to profit from her fame.
Interestingly, this isn’t an isolated incident. According to a 2022 report from the National Retail Federation, celebrity involvement in consumer businesses has risen significantly. While collaborating with well-known figures can help brands grow, it can also create disputes when expectations clash.
In Tyra’s case, Powell claims to have lost out on substantial income by turning down other tenants in favor of her ice cream brand. He is now demanding over $2.8 million in damages, arguing that Tyra abandoned the D.C. location after just a few months without paying rent.
The lawsuit brought attention to the responsibilities both landlords and tenants have in such agreements. Experts suggest clear communication and written agreements can help prevent similar disputes in the future.
Tyra’s response also highlights the common challenges public figures face when navigating business. As they try to balance personal and professional lives, misunderstandings can arise, especially when contracts are involved.
Recently, the landlord dropped the case in December, but Tyra is still seeking over $50,000 in sanctions. She wants to make it clear that using her celebrity status against her is unacceptable.
This legal drama is a reminder of how complex celebrity businesses can be, and how the stakes rise when contracts, investments, and fame intertwine.
For further insights into similar celebrity business ventures and disputes, you can check The Wall Street Journal’s article on celebrity retail partnerships.
