Talk about a tussle over protection money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bizarre legal battle is escalating over a line of Playboy brand condoms \u2014 and fashion designer Max Azria is wrapped up in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pint-size founder of the BCBG clothing empire is being sued for $220 million by his partner in the licensed latex venture, who is accusing Azria of fraud, breach of contract and a host of other offenses that include \u201cnarcissism and delusions of grandeur.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Azria \u2014 notorious in fashion circles for his thirst to cut new business deals even as his company struggles under mounds of debt \u2014 \u201cbegged\u201d for a stake in the condom venture as soon as he learned of it in a conversation over dinner in 2009, according to a lawsuit filed by the partner, Jimmy Esebag, yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In exchange for a 20-percent stake, Azria promised to provide financing and distribution at retailers, including Walmart, the suit charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have a relationship with everybody. I am Max Azria,\u201d the eccentric fashion mogul said in a recent deposition, according to court papers. \u201cPeople are happy to have lunch with me. Anybody in America. Even the president of America.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Azria failed to deliver on the Walmart promise, the suit charges. As a result, \u201cPlayboy condoms have a very limited degree of worldwide retail penetration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yesterday, a BCBG spokeswoman said Azria had prevailed in arbitration on the dispute a year earlier, and that his company is \u201cconfident he will also be victorious in the present lawsuit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spokeswoman, likewise, alleged that Esebag has \u201calso been sued for fraud by other business partners in relation to Playboy condom deals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n