NBA Superstar in Legal Battle with Mattress Company
In an unexpected clash between the worlds of sports and the mattress industry, NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has found himself in the midst of a legal face-off with a mattress company, Maree, and its CEO, Erica Gleaton.
The crux of the lawsuit centers around Maree's alleged unauthorized use of Antetokounmpo's image for promotional campaigns. This move has sent ripples across both the sporting and mattress sectors, emphasizing the significance of celebrity endorsements and contractual nuances in today's business environment.
Antetokounmpo, through the legal paperwork filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, staunchly asserts that Maree took liberties with his image without obtaining appropriate permissions. Maree, on the other hand, maintains its stance that it acted within the boundaries of consent, having secured Antetokounmpo’s agreement for using his likeness in their advertising initiatives.
Diving deeper into the financial specifics, Antetokounmpo is vying for a compensation package of $92,003. This sum includes an eyebrow-raising $20,000 earmarked for shipping charges to send the mattresses to his homeland, Greece. The star player further demands Maree to be legally barred from deploying his likeness in any future marketing collateral.
Eleni Melekou, representing Antetokounmpo legally, paints a picture of the player's persistent, albeit unsuccessful, attempts to address product-related grievances with Maree. The issuance of a cease-and-desist letter by Antetokounmpo's team, which Maree allegedly disregarded, adds another layer to this intricate legal puzzle.
Rob Freund, a prominent attorney, brought this tussle into the limelight by sharing details on X, formerly known as Twitter, prompting wide-ranging reactions and discussions.
Today, Giannis Antetokounmpo sued luxury bed brand Maree for violating his publicity rights and misrepresenting the quality of their beds.
— Rob Freund (@RobertFreundLaw) October 18, 2023
Giannis ordered 4 beds to be delivered to him in Greece, and he says Maree used a picture of him on the brand's IG page without permission. pic.twitter.com/pX9MuFgncu
Intricacies of the lawsuit also touch upon Maree's decision to tweak shipment terms, directing the mattress consignment to Athens. The company is additionally accused of underestimating product weight by a hefty 800 pounds, causing logistical challenges. To make matters worse, Antetokounmpo asserts that he received only a fraction of the ordered items, and among these, several were damaged upon arrival.
In a bid to clarify its position, Maree voiced its disappointment via a statement to Front Office Sports. The mattress company expressed its dismay at the deterioration of its long-standing rapport with Antetokounmpo, hinting at possible miscommunications spurred by the player's management team.
Maree stands firm on its claims that all products were dispatched in pristine condition and views the lawsuit as a gross misrepresentation of facts. The company also expressed bafflement over Antetokounmpo's team's assumption of complimentary international shipping.
Furthermore, Maree reiterated its argument that a legitimate agreement was in place, granting them rights to utilize Antetokounmpo’s image. They contend that this arrangement also entitled the NBA star to notable discounts on purchased items.
A particular point of contention emerged from Maree's Instagram post in July 2021. The post, which showcased Antetokounmpo and congratulated him on his NBA championship triumph, was later cited in a formal communication to Maree, underscoring potential endorsement violations.
Maree's clientele, as showcased on their website, boasts an array of celebrated personalities, further highlighting the gravity of this ongoing legal dispute.
Wrapping up, Maree expressed its grievances, asserting that despite their earnest efforts, Antetokounmpo's representatives have repeatedly declined to clear outstanding dues with their international vendor. This dispute, enveloped in legal complexities and star power, promises to be a focal point in the industry for the foreseeable future.
