Tyra Banks has had a storied career, from model to television personality. However, she has recently become the subject of a lawsuit due to one of her ventures. Since then, a motion has also been filed in the case.

Tyra Banks Has Worn Many Hats Throughout Her Career

Banks is known for her career as a model, starting when she was just 15. In the early 2000s, she became known for being one of the world’s top-earning models. However, she’s also known for pursuing other ventures.

Banks is known for her work as an actress, television host, and television personality. In 2003, she created the long-running competition series, America’s Next Top Model. She also served as a presenter on the show.
Tyra Banks – YouTube
In 2020, Banks also founded a boutique ice cream brand, Smize & Dream. Recently, however, a Washington, D.C., landlord has filed a $2.8 million breach of contract lawsuit against Banks concerning the brand.

According to court documents obtained by Entertainment Weekly, Christopher Powell claimed that he entered a ten-year commercial lease with Banks in April 2024, as well as her nonprofit School of SMiZE and partner Louis Martin. This would see her open up an ice cream shop in a D.C. building. He is now claiming that Banks terminated the lease this past summer and is refusing to pay rent.

The complaint, dated October 9, saw Powell claim that he first met with the defendants in March 2024. He allegedly agreed to lease them the building “as-is” a month following learning that Banks was starting the shop to honor her mother, Carolyn London.

An Ice Cream Shop Is At The Center Of The Lawsuit

As the filing read, “She said Smize & Dream would not only be an ice cream shop, but also an initiative to provide underserved youth in Washington with education in science, sales, and hospitality. Ms. Banks told Mr. Powell that the D.C. location in his building would be the flagship location of what Ms. Banks envisioned as a global chain serving communities around the world.”

After working with the defendants on the project, Powell then claimed that he saw Banks showcasing their designs for a Smize & Dream shop in Sydney, Australia. According to the suit, Banks and Martin “abruptly abandoned the premises in June 2024” and refused to pay rent.

The complaint alleged that Powell had “no indication that Ms. Banks and Mr. Martin would desert the venture.” Instead, it claimed they “repeatedly conveyed their dedication to opening Smize & Dream in his building.”

However, Powell claimed in the documents that “a few weeks after they abandoned his building.” Banks then allegedly threw a Smize & Dream pop-up shop miles from the property.

The lawsuit added, “While Mr. Powell scrambled to address the legal and financial fallout from their abandonment, Ms. Banks and Mr. Martin had already launched an alternative Smize and Dream venture elsewhere while ignoring their legal obligations.” It was also claimed that Powell initially attempted to “reach an amicable resolution.”

However, it was claimed that Powell was left with “no choice but to file suit” after “deep financial loss.” It was also claimed that he received a letter “lodged numerous false accusations against Mr. Powell, his building, and the lease” in September.

A Motion Has Also Been Filed By Banks & Louis Martin’s Lawyer

The complaint continued, “They made claims of deficiency in the property that are both untrue and irrelevant, and threatened to publicize their lies if Mr. Powell filed a lawsuit against them. Ms. Banks and Mr. Martin also stated that even if Mr. Powell filed a lawsuit and secured a ruling against them, they would not pay any judgment. Instead, they would avoid liability by shifting blame onto their company that they claim has no assets.”

Currently, the suit seeks “no less than $2,831,331.” This was also “in addition to late fees, accrued interest, additional Rent, attorneys’ fees, and reletting expenses.” According to the outlet, a docket for the case also claimed that Banks and Martin’s lawyer, Steven Willner, filed a motion to dismiss the suit. This motion, dated November 11, was “for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim.”

Powell and his lawyer, Arziki Adamu, were also granted an extension to file their response on November 21. For the case to proceed, the plaintiff “must file its response to defendants’ motion to dismiss by Dec. 16.”

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