- posted: Apr. 02, 2025
When you’re on a reality television show, such as “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” outrageous behavior is part of the everyday routine, but litigation demands strict adherence to judicial directives. According to reports, Erika Jane, a personality on that Bravo series, could potentially lose a Florida lawsuit to a fashion designer she formerly worked with because her attorney failed to appear at a required hearing.
Marco Morante, known for his brand Marco Marco, is suing Jayne for tortious interference and defamation based on a dispute regarding the use of a credit card belonging to Jayne and her husband. According to Morante, Jayne and her husband allowed him to use their credit card as compensation for his work, but later accused him of misappropriating over $700,000. These accusations, Morante claims, caused significant harm to his company, leading to the loss of over 100 business relationships as partners severed ties with him. A default judgment might be entered against Jayne because her lawyer, Jim Wilkes, was not present at the hearing and has not had the complaint against his client and her assistants dismissed.
Tortious interference occurs when one party intentionally harms another party’s contractual or business relationships, causing financial harm. To succeed in a tortious interference claim, the plaintiff must typically prove the following elements:
- Business or contractual relationship —Morante is required to show that his company had valid contracts or business relationships with third parties.
- Defendant’s knowledge of plaintiff’s business ties — Another element of a tortious interference case is that the defendant must have been aware that the plaintiff had other professional relationships.
- Intent — This type of claim cannot involve accidental harm. Morante must prove that Jayne and her assistants intentionally tried to hurt his reputation and business.
- Wrongful conduct — Making an accurate, negative statement about someone or their company is legal. However, in this situation, Morante says that the accusation of financial impropriety was made maliciously and without any evidence to support it.
- Damages — The plaintiff must show that the interference caused financial harm
This lawsuit highlights the serious consequences of allegations that can mar a business’s reputation. If Morante can prove that Jayne’s accusations were false and malicious, he may be entitled to damages for the financial losses his business suffered. Whether you believe you’ve been the victim of a business tort or are being accused of unlawful conduct, skillful legal counsel can provide valuable guidance in protecting your rights.
The law firm of H. Clay Parker, Esq. in Orlando represents Florida clients in all types of matters where business torts are alleged. Please call our firm at [ln::phone] or contact us online to discuss your particular issue.
