Three Bay Area prosecutors are part of a lawsuit alleging Kanye West's signature shoe brand for violating the state's business code.
District attorneys from Alameda, Napa and Sonoma counties signed on to a state civil lawsuit, filed on Oct. 22 by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón alleging that West's Yeezy and Yeezy Apparel companies failed to inform customers why their purchases hadn't shipped within 30 days as well as offer a refund upon request, both of which are required by the state.
KCBS Radio emailed the offices of Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley and Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch seeking comment on the lawsuit. The Sonoma County District Attorney's Office confirmed that they have joined the action. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office declined, stating they do not comment on pending litigation.
In the complaint, a copy of which was obtained and published by The Fashion Law, prosecutors also alleged that Yeezy and Yeezy Apparel misled consumers about their ability to "ship products within a certain timeframe, particularly where customers paid an additional charge for expedited shipping," as well as not "disclosing logistical limitations to customers."
Prosecutors are asking for a judgement that would include fines to Yeezy and Yeezy Apparel of up to $2,500 for each violation of the state's business code, restitution for impacted customers and permanent restraint of the companies from continuing the alleged practices.
Since launching his shoe collaboration with Adidas in 2013, West's Yeezy sneaker line has become incredibly popular among collectors and aficionados, leading to some models selling out quickly before fetching far higher prices on resale websites and apps than at retail. Many Yeezy sneakers retail for over $200.
An attorney representing West's California-based companies filed a notice of appearance on Tuesday, according to Los Angeles County court records. Both sides will meet for a case management conference on Feb. 28, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. in a Los Angeles courthouse, county records showed.
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