Russell Simmons Files Lawsuit Against Clothing Distributor

Russell Simmons has filed a lawsuit against Li & Fung USA, the clothing distributor responsible for his American Classics By Russell Simmons and Russell Simmons Argyleculture clothing labels. He is seeking $55 million from the company for breach of contract.

The entrepreneur released a statement regarding the suit, which is his first ever, and said that he was forced to take Li & Fung to court because of the way its executives “willfully and repeatedly put the integrity of [his] brands at risk.”

“I have taken this action to protect my partnerships with retailers and recover millions in damages in behalf of my brands and protect my name and reputation in the industry,” said Simmons in the statement.

“Over the past 30 years and with the help of numerous partners, I’ve built successful groundbreaking businesses in music, apparel, television, film, jewelry, games, and multiple charities and causes. Not once have I ever had to file a lawsuit.”

Simmons also details his business dealings with the clothing distributor and says that they partnered together about three years ago after Li & Fung USA, “expressed a false enthusiasm” for his brands so as to “induce” him into “licensing them for [his] mass-market brand.” But it became clear after “repeated misrepresentations, failed execution and lack of development and support,” that the company “never intended to perform its contractual obligations.”

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