Bath and Body Works has faced a few different lawsuits in recent years, each with its own unique claims and ongoing status. Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent ones:
1. Hyaluronic Acid Products False Advertising Class Action:
- Filed: July 2021
- Claim: The lawsuit alleges Bath and Body Works falsely advertised their hyaluronic acid products, claiming they “attract and retain up to 1,000x their weight in water” and make skin “smoother and more supple.”
- Current status: The lawsuit is ongoing but has been narrowed down by a judge who dismissed some of the claims. The remaining claims will proceed.
2. Shareholder Derivative Action:
- Filed: 2020
- Claim: The lawsuit alleges that certain executives and board members breached their fiduciary duties by failing to implement adequate internal controls and engaging in transactions that benefited themselves at the expense of shareholders.
- Current status: The lawsuit was settled in May 2022 with the company agreeing to pay $44.7 million to shareholders and implement corporate governance reforms.
3. Wage and Hour Violations:
- Filed: Various years between 2011 and 2019
- Claim: The lawsuits allege that Bath and Body Works failed to pay employees minimum wage and overtime, failed to provide proper meal and rest breaks, and made illegal deductions from their paychecks.
- Current status: Several of these lawsuits have been settled with the company paying millions of dollars to employees. However, some are still ongoing.
4. Employment Discrimination:
- Filed: 2021
- Claim: The lawsuit alleges that Bath and Body Works engaged in systemic race and gender discrimination in its hiring, promotion, and pay practices.
- Current status: The lawsuit is ongoing and a settlement has not yet been reached.
5. Unlawful Arrest:
- Filed: 2020
- Claim: The lawsuit alleges that a Bath and Body Works security guard falsely arrested and detained a customer for shoplifting.
- Current status: The lawsuit is ongoing and a settlement has not yet been reached.
Disclaimer:
This information is based on publicly available records and may not be comprehensive. It is not intended as legal advice. For the latest updates and specific details about each lawsuit, please consult with a qualified attorney.
