Kim Kardashian was sued Wednesday in Los Angeles by representatives of the late artist Donald Judd who allege in federal court that the reality TV star promoted furniture as made by the designer — although none of it actually was.
The lawsuit — which also names West Hollywood interior-design firm Clements Design — stems from a 2022 promotional video Kardashian posted on her YouTube channel in which she shows off the offices of her Skkn by Kim company, and identifies a dining set as “Donald Judd tables.”
The nonprofit Judd Foundation alleges in the complaint that the furniture in the video is not by Donald Judd. Instead, the plaintiffs contend that Clements Design produced the tables and chairs resembling those designed by the minimalist sculptor and designer. The foundation is accusing the company of trademark and copyright infringement.
A representative for Kardashian could not immediately be reached for comment.
The suit does not allege that Kardashian knew the furnishings were inauthentic.
In a statement, Clements Design said there were “obvious key differences” between its furniture and the work of Judd, and that it was “blindsided” by the lawsuit. According to the company, it had been seeking an amicable resolution with the Judd Foundation, however the latter “was unwilling to settle on reasonable terms.”
The company added: “These claims have absolutely no merit.”
The lawsuit alleges consumers are likely to think that Judd’s work is somehow connected to Kardashian.
“Consumers are likely to believe Judd Foundation and the Donald Judd brand are connected or affiliated with, or otherwise sponsored or endorsed Ms. Kardashian,” the suit states. “Judd Foundation categorically prohibits customers from using purchased Donald Judd furniture for marketing and promotional purposes.”
Judd, whose work received a Museum of Modern Art retrospective in 2020, died in 1994 at a New York hospital of lymphoma at age 65.