Lawsuit Filed Against Kathy Ireland's Business Managers

Kathy Ireland, a former model and branding mogul, has filed a lawsuit accusing her long-time business managers and associates of egregious financial misconduct. The complaint alleges that Ireland and her husband were defrauded of millions of dollars, resulting in significant debt, the forced sale of their home, and a dire lack of retirement savings.

Allegations and Defendants Named

The lawsuit, filed in Santa Barbara, California, names Jason Winters and Erik Sterling, who managed Ireland's affairs for over 35 years, as the primary defendants. Also cited in the complaint are Stephen Roseberry and Jon Carrasco, who held roles at kathy ireland Worldwide, and Brittany Duncan, the company's current CEO.

According to the complaint, Ireland did not receive a salary from her company, kathy ireland Worldwide, which Forbes once valued at an estimated $420 million. Instead, her expenses were reportedly covered by Winters and Sterling. Ireland and her husband, Greg Olson, granted Winters and Sterling power of attorney and trusted them implicitly with their investments, believing they were financially secure.

Details of Alleged Misconduct

The suit claims defendants took out loans and used the funds for their own benefit, allegedly treating the plaintiffs as a direct source of personal funding. Ireland reportedly discovered the severity of her financial situation when she attempted to loan her son money and faced evasiveness from her managers regarding investment liquidation.

Potential Damages and Statements

The lawsuit seeks substantial damages that could range from tens of millions to an estimated $100 million.

Jill Basinger, the attorney for Ireland, stated that the managers allegedly misused their position of trust to benefit themselves while misrepresenting Ireland's financial health.

Manager's Social Media Response

In a social media post from October, Jason Winters referenced a disruption in the Worldwide company and a "relationship" that he described as not genuine. He mentioned receiving threatening letters and seeking a "peaceful resolution," attributing some conflict to a "refusal of millionaires to cease living like billionaires." Winters has a history of working with notable figures such as Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minnelli.

The lawsuit further suggests that defendants exploited Ireland's deeply ingrained trust, which was built through her extensive work and leadership over many years.