Swedish fashion figure Erik Torstensson has filed a countersuit against his ex-partner, fashion mogul Natalie Massenet, amidst allegations of power plays, drug use, and infidelity. This legal battle, which has captured global media attention, involves claims of financial exploitation and unsuitable parenting, with both parties accusing each other of being blinded by wealth. The scandal has already impacted their professional ties, including distancing from Kim Kardashian's Skims.
Erik Torstensson Countersues Fashion Mogul Natalie Massenet Amidst Scandal
Erik Torstensson Countersues Fashion Mogul Natalie Massenet Amidst Scandal
Swedish fashion figure Erik Torstensson, previously sued by his ex, fashion mogul Natalie Massenet, for allegedly leading a double life and exploiting her, has now filed a countersuit filled with sharp accusations of power plays, drug use, and infidelity, reports the New York Times. He is also seeking custody of their children.
In late August, news broke like a bombshell in the fashion scene and was covered by media worldwide: Natalie Massenet, 60, founder of the online fashion success Net-a-Porter, sued her Swedish ex-partner Erik Torstensson, 46.
In a lawsuit spanning over 27 pages, filed in a Los Angeles court, Massenet accused Torstensson of exploiting her and her wealth for personal gain. According to the lawsuit, Massenet had invested over $95 million—nearly 900 million SEK—into their luxurious lifestyle.
Accusations of Drug Use
Torstensson allegedly claimed he would pay his share once he earned money from his own projects, but Massenet was the one who continued to pay.
Instead, according to the lawsuit, Torstensson spent money on drugs and a lavish lifestyle.
She reportedly had to undergo what is described as intensive therapy and took eight weeks off work to deal with revelations about her ex.
Now, the New York Times reports that Torstensson is responding with his own lawsuit—in New York.
The Response: She is a Partying Narcissist
According to the newspaper, he describes her as a "partying narcissist" with a thirst for revenge who loved the spotlight and used her power to control him.
Just like in the lawsuit against Torstensson, there are accusations of drug use and "heavy" drinking that sometimes led to violence against him.
According to Torstensson's claims, she began the relationship with him while still married.
"An Abundance of Unflattering Details"
Torstensson raises several issues that he claims collectively make her an unfit parent, according to the lawsuit, which is why he is seeking custody of the couple's children.
The New York Times writes that both lawsuits contain "an abundance of unflattering details" and that both parties claim the other was blinded by money.
Torstensson's lawyer, Bonnie Eskenazi, claims that Massenet's lawsuit is vengeful and baseless, while a spokesperson for Massenet tells the Times that the Swede's counteraction is "nothing more than a vengeful smear campaign."
Kardashian's Company Distances Itself
Torstensson's countersuit comes as New York Fashion Week kicks off, and according to those the New York Times spoke with, the lawsuits are likely to have business consequences for both parties.
Among others, Skims, the Kim Kardashian-founded fashion company where both were involved, has begun distancing itself from both Torstensson and Massenet. In a comment to the Times, the company states that the behavior in Massenet's lawsuit does not "align with the company's values," and they describe Torstensson as a "very small" early-stage investor.
Industry insiders in the Times article say it may be difficult for him to secure larger assignments, at least in the near term, due to the allegations.