WHAT A HEEL: Lady Gaga: Big Monster?
A lawsuit filed by MI-based legal network 1-800-LAW-FIRM accuses pop diva Lady Gaga (AKA Stefani Germonatta) and seven entertainment firms, some of which are associated with her, of racketeering, The National Law Journal reports:
The complaint alleges the defendants retained funds from the sale of "Lady Gaga Japan Earthquake Relief Wristbands" despite claims that "all proceeds" would aid victims of the disaster in Japan, which began with the first earthquake on March 11.
The lawsuit claims the defendants retained a portion of the first $5 from each individual who ordered from a Lady Gaga Web site, even though charitable donations are nontaxable, and charged an excess amount for shipping the light object. According to Lady Gaga's "Official Store" page, the wristbands sell for $5 each, plus shipping charges and sales tax. There are also options to make additional donations of up to $100 on top of the original $5.
The legal claims include violation of the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, conspiracy to violate RICO, violation of state consumer protection statutes and unjust enrichment.
Plaintiff Caitlin DeMetsenare is seeking class action status for her complaint, an injunction barring defendants from "continuing to operate their fraudulent scheme," a cornucopia of damages, including compensatory, consequential, statutory, punitive and treble where applicable, and return of all monies paid for the wristbands to class members plus interest, attorney fees and costs.
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