What is Tyra Banks' ice cream company called?

Tyra Banks' ice cream company is called Smize & Dream.

What was the original agreement between Tyra Banks and the D.C. landlord?

Tyra Banks and her business partner signed a 10-year lease for a flagship store location in Washington D.C. for their ice cream company.

Why is Tyra Banks seeking sanctions against the landlord?

Tyra Banks is seeking sanctions against the landlord for having to defend herself in the lawsuit, which she claims was an unjustified attempt at a 'celebrity shakedown.'

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Tyra Banks Fights Landlord's 'Shakedown' Lawsuit

Tyra Banks Fights Landlord's 'Shakedown' Lawsuit

24 Feb

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Summary

Tyra Banks is battling a landlord in Washington D.C. court.
The landlord sought over $2.8 million in damages for a scrapped lease.
Banks claims the landlord is attempting a 'celebrity shakedown.'

Tyra Banks Fights Landlord's 'Shakedown' Lawsuit

Tyra Banks is currently involved in a contentious legal battle with a Washington D.C. landlord over a planned location for her ice cream company, Smize & Dream. The landlord, Christopher Powell, initiated a lawsuit in October 2025, alleging that Banks and her business partner, Louis Bélanger-Martin, signed a 10-year lease in April 2024 for a flagship store.

Powell claims he invested significantly in preparing the space and turned down other tenants. However, Banks and Bélanger-Martin allegedly abandoned the D.C. location in June 2024 and ceased rental payments. The lawsuit asserted that Banks "weaponized" her celebrity status, leading Powell to seek over $2.8 million in damages.

Banks has refuted all allegations, stating she terminated the lease for valid reasons. She characterized Powell's demand for $2.9 million as a "celebrity shakedown." Although Powell voluntarily dismissed his case in December, Banks is now pursuing sanctions against him for the legal costs incurred in defending herself, aiming to send a strong message to the landlord.

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