Tyra Banks Seeks Over $50,000 in Sanctions in Bitter Ice Cream Business Legal Battle
Model and television personality Tyra Banks is embroiled in a contentious legal dispute related to her ice cream business, Smize & Dream, and is now seeking more than $50,000 in sanctions against a former business partner. Banks has accused a Washington, D.C. landlord of attempting what she describes as a "celebrity shakedown" in a lawsuit that she argues was improperly filed.
Details of the Legal Dispute and Allegations
According to court documents, the conflict stems from a failed plan to open a Smize & Dream ice cream shop in a building owned by Christopher Powell. Banks contends that the lawsuit was improper because the landlord knew she resides in Australia and lacks substantial ties to Washington, D.C., where the case was initiated. She emphasizes that her relocation to Australia was widely publicized and should not have been a surprise to Powell.
The dispute began in October 2025 when Powell, through his company, filed a lawsuit against Banks and her business partner and boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin. Powell alleged that he had engaged in discussions with the pair to open a flagship Smize & Dream location in Washington, D.C., which he claimed was also intended to support underserved youth in the area.
Landlord's Claims and Financial Demands
Powell asserted that Banks and Bélanger-Martin signed a 10-year lease in April 2024 and that he invested thousands of dollars in renovating the space in anticipation of the store's opening. However, he alleged that instead of opening the D.C. location, Banks launched a shop in Sydney, Australia. Powell claimed he turned away other potential tenants to secure the deal with Banks, resulting in significant financial losses.
The lawsuit further accused Banks and her partner of abandoning the D.C. location in June 2024 and ceasing rent payments. Powell sought more than $2.8 million in damages, alleging that Banks had "weaponized" her celebrity status to discourage him from pursuing legal action.
Banks' Response and Counterarguments
Tyra Banks has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that she terminated the lease for legitimate reasons. She characterized the landlord's demand for nearly $2.9 million as an attempt at a "celebrity shakedown," suggesting it was an unfounded effort to exploit her fame for financial gain.
Although Powell voluntarily dismissed the case in December, Banks is now asking the court to impose sanctions. She argues that she should not have been forced to defend herself in what she views as a baseless lawsuit, highlighting the financial and reputational costs incurred during the legal proceedings.
Broader Implications and Legal Context
This case underscores the complexities of business dealings involving high-profile celebrities and the potential for legal disputes to arise from failed ventures. It also raises questions about jurisdictional issues in lawsuits, particularly when parties reside in different countries. The outcome could set a precedent for how courts handle similar cases involving celebrities and business partnerships.
As the legal battle continues, observers are watching closely to see if the court will grant Banks' request for sanctions, which could influence future litigation strategies in celebrity-related business disputes. The situation serves as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs and landlords alike when entering into agreements with well-known figures.
