Legal papers were filed in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, New York against BEYONCE and TINA KNOWLES’ clothing line HOUSE OF DEREON. Because of the official papers we of course can’t call it a rumor but one would think that all the money BEYONCE raked in last year she wouldn’t have an issue paying fair price for anything. But being a celebrity spoils you. Case in point, they’re use to getting everything for free or next to nothing and now it may cost her more than any of it’s actually worth.

The defendant, VIER INTERNATIONAL (a Vietnamese apparels company) have claimed that executives at the HOUSE OF DEREON conspired to order shipments from them at less than fair market value (bargain basement to keep it real) in an effort to undercut the Asian company. The cheaply purchased apparel was then “converted” to House of Dereon pieces and sold at higher prices. Bey and mama Knowles at least has the smarts to ask for “manufacturers specifications” so they didn’t have to alter the garments before putting them on the racks. Hustlers. I’m just saying saving money on garments, cheap labor and then selling them for umpteen billion percent mark up? That’s not only smart and lucrative but very common–if you don’t get caught. But every person that’s from the ‘hood or has ever been to one know that Asians don’t play about their money. You can’t not pay them a half a cent let alone a half a million.

The Hong Kong manufacturer insists that they’ve lost out on $500,000 due to a scheme involving Donna Loren LLC and shippers HJM International. So, they filed a claim under the RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act alleging the two are “conspirators who induced the shipment of goods to the United States with the intent to convert them or pay less .” If that sounds a bit Don Corleone to you, that’s because it is. It’s the same law used in Mafia prosecutions. Jay-Z said he had “Obama on  text…” Hopefully that’s more than braggadocio and perhaps may help during his wife’s distress. No? Ok. It was just a thought.  If the two are convicted they could face jail time.Leave your thoughts and comments below.

RO