Parlux Fragrances has filed a lawsuit against Jay Z after the 46-year-old, real name Shawn Carter, allegedly failed to promote his fragrance, Gold Jay Z.
The perfume distributer has accused the rapper of breaking an agreed deal to promote his scent and is seeking $20m in damages. The papers were filed in Manhattan and state that Carter should have made a minimum of six promotional appearances to promote the scent since its launch in October 2013.
Parlux says that it arranged an appearance on US TV show Good Morning America , an appearance at Macy’s and an exclusive interview with WWD. In another promotion, Parlux worked with Jacob the Jeweller to create five prototype premium bottles costing $20,000 each. The papers state: “Carter rejected all of them and kept the prototype.”
While the initial launch of the scent was successful, Parlux is said to be keen to update and refresh the fragrance brand with promotional appearances and spin-off projects. The company says that it has sent samples for new scents Gold Jay Z Noir, Gold Jay Z Parish Lights and Gold Jay Z London Underground to Carter’s Business Manager Desiree Perez. The company says it is still waiting for sign off on the products.
Sales of Gold Jay Z were initially strong, with the scent becoming the top-selling male celebrity fragrance in Superdrug in 2014, but are now said to be disappointing. The lawsuit states: “Sales of Gold Jay Z have declined considerably because of Jay Z’s and his teams (sic) lack of interest in supporting and promoting his own brand.”
The $20m damages include in the return of Carter’s $2m royalty payment and at least $18m in compensation for lost potential sales and development costs.