Real Housewives of Orange County, newbie Katie Ginella, is being sued “for breach of a partnership agreement, fraud,” and more. DailyMail.com reported the freshman-year RHOC star was “listed as a defendant along with Dolores Salman, George Salman, and Tee Shots, LLC, in the California lawsuit that was filed on July 31.”
The Golf Shot:
“The plaintiff, Chad Ruskey, alleges he developed the concept for a groundbreaking golf-related product called the ‘Golf Shot,’ a golfball-shaped shot glass.”
“The ‘Golf Shot,’ which was conceptualized in late February 2023, is designed to hold approximately 50 ml of alcohol, such as tequila or other spirits, providing a novel and sophisticated drinking experience. Additionally, the product line includes a magnum gift size version that holds 1.75 liters, making it an impressive and unique gift option for golf enthusiasts and special occasions.”
Allegedly, the plaintiff discussed his idea with the other parties. They had all agreed to form a partnership. A group text message from March 2023 was included in the court documents. Ruskey provided the Salman’s “with an update on his progress for the benefit of the Partnership, specifically regarding his work with securing a domain, social media account, and further employing his designer to create branding.”
The Newfound Fame of it all:
It appears the rookie Real Housewives personality wanted to use her fame on RHOC to help promote The Golf Shot.
The plantiff alleged, “Defendants George, Dolores, and [Katie] envisioned the enormous profits they could reap by leveraging Ginella’s hopeful fame.”
George and Dolores “believed that Ginella’s exposure would provide a powerful platform to promote their purloined product.” This, in turn, would accelerate “their wealth accumulation.” About three months later, the plaintiff alleged the defendants “began conspiring to form a competing company to exploit his idea.”
Cheater brand:
The plaintiff argued Katie, George and Dolores are “Lacking the ability to create successful businesses on their own.” However, they “desperately wanted an idea that others found exciting” … that’s when Tee Shots, LLC was formed.
The LLC filing (which is based in Wyoming) was intentionally filed in another state for the “purpose of concealing ownership details from the public.” As a result, the Defendants are protected against public scrutiny.”
“Furthermore, a trademark application for TEESHOTS was filed in September 2023.” Additionally, “A website, teeshots.co, and related social media profiles, were also created, shamelessly promoting their stolen idea.”
Katie’s lawsuit deets:
Ruskey (the plantiff) is suing for “Breach of partnership agreement; breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, violation of California’s unfair competition law; breach of fiduciary duty; fraud; fraudulent inducement; tortious interference with contractual relations; declaratory relief and injunctive relief.”
As a result of the above mentioned white-collar crimes, the plaintiff has experienced “significant and extensive damages and financial injury in the amount of at least $5 million. The final amount [will] be proven at trial.”
Where are the the receipts?
Katie, Dolores, and George “released a statement to DailyMail.com. They claimed they have yet to receive any paperwork in regards to a lawsuit from Ruskey.”
The defendents “have not been served with any lawsuit by Chad Ruskey against them at this time. Ms. Ginella and the Salmans were previously contacted by Mr. Ruskey’s attorney about claims of being in breach of a partnership. Also, they denied having any business ties or arrangements with Mr. Ruskey.”
“Mr. Ruskey’s claim to a unique idea of a golf ball shot glass is unfounded. Ms. Ginella has had zero dealings or prior contact with Mr. Ruskey.” Katie’s counsel “will vigorously defend [her] against being frivolously named in the lawsuit.”
Stay tuned for details about the latest (alleged) Bravolebrity scheme.
