Lawyers from Michigan-based 1-800-LAW-FIRM have filed a $5 million class action federal racketeering suit against entertainer Lady Gaga, claiming she improperly profited from “We Pray for Japan” charity wristbands sold on her website.
According to the Washington Post blog Celebritology, Gaga began selling the $5 wristbands on her site shortly after a tsunami struck Japan in March, advertising that “all proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts”.
The plaintiff claims Gaga, her co-defendants, and merchandizing company, retained a portion of the proceeds, inflated shipping charges and wrongfully taxed consumers. Reuters reports that Gaga donated about $3 million to Japan disaster relief.