RHOC star Katie Ginella sued by man in $5 million lawsuit over alleged stolen 'Golf Shot' idea as she's accused of committing 'fraud'
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The Real Housewives of Orange County newbie Katie Ginella has been sued by a man for breach of a partnership agreement, breach of an implied contract and fraud, among other things.
According to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Katie, 40, was listed as a defendant along with Dolores Salman, George Salman and Tee Shots, LLC, in the California lawsuit that was filed on July 31.
The plaintiff, Chad Ruskey, alleges he developed the concept for a groundbreaking golf-related product called the 'Golf Shot' - a golf ball-shaped shot glass.
The 'Golf Shot,' which was conceptualized in late February 2023, is 'designed to hold approximately 50 ml of alcohol, such as tequila or other spirits, providing a novel and sophisticated drinking experience,' per court docs. 'Additionally, the product line includes a magnum gift size version that holds 1.75 liters, making it an impressive and unique gift option for golf enthusiasts and special occasions.'
After Ruskey discussed his idea with the other parties, they had all agreed to form a partnership.
The Real Housewives of Orange County newbie Katie Ginella, 40, has been sued by a man for breach of a partnership agreement, breach of an implied contract and fraud, among other things
According to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Katie, 40, was listed as a defendant along with Dolores Salman, George Salman and Tee Shots, LLC, in the California lawsuit that was filed on July 31
In March 2023, in a group text message, per the docs, 'Ruskey provided Dolores and George with an update on his progress for the benefit of the Partnership, specifically regarding his work with securing a domain, social media account, and further employing his designer to create branding.'
While Ginella's relationship with husband and wife George and Dolores Salman is unclear, the Real Housewives star apparently wanted to use her fame on RHOC to help promote the 'Golf Shot.'
Ruskey alleges, 'On information and belief, Defendants George, Dolores, and Ginella envisioned the enormous profits they could reap by leveraging Ginella’s hopeful fame from her anticipated appearance on the reality show Real Housewives of Orange County.
'They believed that Ginella’s exposure on the show would provide a powerful platform to promote their purloined product, thereby accelerating their wealth accumulation.'
About three months later, in June 2023, Ruskey, a resident of Orange County, alleges the defendants 'began conspiring' to form a competing company to exploit his idea.
'Lacking the ability to create successful businesses on their own, George, Defendants Dolores and Ginella desperately wanted an idea that others found exciting,' he claims.
Tee Shots, LLC, was then formed by the Salmans and the former golf reporter, which Ruskey alleges was a 'calculated move to further their fraudulent scheme while attempting to shield the identities of the true owners involved in the theft.'
The LLC filing, based in Wyoming, was filed in another state, Ruskey alleges, for the 'purpose of concealing ownership details from the public, thereby protecting Defendants from scrutiny.'
Ginella was pictured last month in an Instagram shot snapped in Carlsbad, California
Ginella and the Salmans released a statement to DailyMail.com in which they said they have yet to receive any paperwork in regards to a lawsuit from Ruskey
Furthermore, a trademark application for TEESHOTS was filed in September 2023, and a website, teeshots.co, and related social media profiles, were also created, 'shamelessly promoting their stolen idea.'
Ruskey is suing for: breach of partnership agreement; breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, violation of California's unfair competition law; breach of fiduciary duty; fraud; fraudulent inducement; tortious interference with contractual relations; declaratory relief and injunctive relief.
All in all, Ruskey alleges he suffered 'significant and extensive damages and financial injury' in the amount of at least $5 million, with the final amount to be proven at trial.
Ginella and the Salmans released a statement to DailyMail.com in which they said they have yet to receive any paperwork in regards to a lawsuit from Ruskey.
'Katie Ginella, along with Dolores and George Salman, have not been served with any lawsuit by Chad Ruskey against them at this time,' the statement read. 'Ms. Ginella and the Salmans were previously contacted by Mr. Ruskey's attorney about claims of being in breach of a partnership to develop a golf-ball shot glass business, and they denied having any business ties or arrangements with Mr. Ruskey.
'Mr. Ruskey's claim to a unique idea of a golf ball shot glass is unfounded. Ms. Ginella, in particular, has had zero dealings or prior contact with Mr. Ruskey, and will vigorously defend against being frivolously named in the lawsuit.'
If fans recall, Katie held a golf event during the August 1 episode of RHOC. With help from her husband Matt Ginella and another golfer, the ladies teed off and played against each other in a playful game. After Emily Simpson won the pair of Prada sunglasses, drama ensued.
It was brought to Heather Dubrow's attention that Ginella had 'proof' in the form of a text message that she hired paparazzi to take photos of her and husband Terry Dubrow in Disneyland back in 2022 — something she has continued to deny doing.
New episodes of Real Housewives of Orange County air every Thursday at 9/8c on Bravo.
