Bethenny Frankel is now responding to the $100 million lawsuit filed against her on Wednesday by an ex-manager.
As we reported, Doug Wald of Los Angeles-based Raw Talent is claiming he helped Bethenny develop her Skinnygirl cocktail line only to be cut out of the company, which was sold for a reported $120 million to Beam Global in March.
In the court documents, Doug admits the Bethenny Ever After star fired him back in 2008 after managing her for just 3 months. He however feels he is entitled to 10% of the sale proceeds plus $100 million in punitive damages.
“Unfortunately, one of the signs of success is being the subject of frivolous lawsuits, like this one,” said Bethenny in a statement on Thursday. “This is simply someone with his hand out, who did nothing to earn it, and I am not going to be bullied. We are exploring all of our options, including filing counterclaims against these people.”
Doug also alleges in the suit that he was the one who introduced Bethenny to her Skinnygirl drink partner/liquor industry veteran David Kanbar.
Bethenny spoke out once again in a separate statement to PEOPLE. “Life is good for me with all the things that are most important, namely family. But let’s be clear, I am a strong woman, and I am not afraid and won’t back down when I’m bullied by something with zero merit. Success is earned by hard work, not taking advantage of others.”
Meanwhile, Bethenny is keeping her head up as she was photographed above walking the streets of NYC on Wednesday, the same day the lawsuit was filed. A bigger image of Bethenny below.
TELL US – THOUGHTS ON BETHENNY’S COMMENTS? DO YOU THINK DOUG DESERVES 10% OF THE SALE PROCEEDS?
