*Tyra Banks and her ice cream business, Smize & Dream, are facing a $2.8 million breach of contract lawsuit filed by a Washington, D.C., landlord, Entertainment Weekly reports.
Christopher Powell claims he signed a 10-year commercial lease in April 2024 with Banks, her nonprofit School of SMiZE, and partner Louis Martin to open an ice cream shop in his building. Powell alleges that the lease was terminated that summer, leaving him unpaid and financially harmed.
According to court documents, Powell first met with Banks and her team in March 2024, agreeing to lease the building “as-is“. “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,” the filing stated. Banks reportedly described the D.C. location as the flagship of a planned global chain.
Powell claims the project collapsed when Banks and Martin suddenly abandoned the property in June 2024. He alleges they later opened a pop-up shop just miles away and eventually launched Smize & Dream in Australia, ignoring their obligations under the lease. The lawsuit adds that Powell initially sought an amicable resolution but received a letter from Banks and Martin accusing him of property deficiencies and refusing to pay any judgment even if the court ruled in his favor.
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Powell is seeking $2,831,331 plus late fees, accrued interest, attorneys’ fees, and reletting expenses. His attorney, Arziki Adamu, told Entertainment Weekly, “After executing a valid lease and utilizing my client’s property, Defendants suddenly informed Mr. Powell they were abandoning the building and offered no explanation… All we ask is that the Court enforce a valid contract.”
Lawyers for Banks and Martin filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on November 11, citing a “lack of subject matter jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim.” Judge Amy Berman Jackson granted Powell an extension to respond, with his reply due December 16.
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