Rihanna has filed a lawsuit against her father, Ronald Fenty, in a dispute over the use of the Fenty name by their respective companies.
The pop superstar has had huge success in recent years with her label Fenty, selling cosmetics, lingerie and, in collaboration with Puma, sportswear. Ronald Fenty has also used the family name in his company Fenty Entertainment, which in his words is dedicated to “developing original television programmes, motion pictures, live concerts, and record producing as well as talent”.
Rihanna is suing him over the use of the name, arguing that he has misled the public and damaged her brand. The lawsuit states that Fenty and another man “have egregiously and fraudulently misrepresented to third parties and the public that their company … is affiliated with Rihanna, and has the authority to act on her behalf,” and says Fenty has never “been authorised to use her name, intellectual property or publicity rights”. The suit claims cease-and-desist notices have been sent to Fenty but have been ignored.
The lawsuit also argues that Fenty Entertainment attempted to book a 15-date Rihanna tour in South America, plus concerts in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, without her permission.
The suit is seeking a legal injunction on the use of the Fenty name, as well as unspecified damages. Ronald Fenty has not commented on the action.