Paris Hilton on Tuesday socked a footwear company with a $1 million-plus lawsuit alleging she was unlawfully beat out of royalties after the firm failed to honor a licensing agreement for her signature shoe collection.
The hotel heiress’ company, Paris Hilton Entertainment, filed the breach-of-contract lawsuit in Manhattan federal court against New York-based Antebi Footwear Group, which designed the Paris Hilton Footwear collection of stilettos, flats, wedges and other footwear.
“This lawsuit emanates from Antebi’s unlawful attempt to reap millions of dollars in profits from exploiting the lucrative brand of international celebrity Paris Hilton without paying compensation it agreed to pay for its license,” the suit says.
“Although there is no dispute that Antebi owes substantial sums under its agreement, Antebi refuses to pay, and now outrageously attempts to justify its conduct by fabricating its claims that PHE prejudiced its contract rights.”
The suit claims Hilton is owed more than $1 million in royalties – based off 8 percent royalties of net sales – under a 2009 licensing agreement with Antebi. She is also seeking a court order to terminate the licensing agreement, which runs through this year.
Reps for Hilton and Antebi did not return messages.