As a long-time admirer of The Whitaker Group and their brands like Social Status, A Ma Maniere, and APB, it’s been a rollercoaster ride following the recent multi-million dollar federal lawsuit accusations. I remember the excitement when they first opened shop and the sense of community they fostered over the years.
Update: It appears that the multi-million dollar federal lawsuit against James Whitner, founder and owner of The Whitaker Group (which oversees sneaker stores Social Status, A Ma Maniere and APB) could soon reach its end. On Monday morning, The Whitaker Group announced via Instagram that they have been cleared in the case, which alleged that they were illegally supplying products to Chinese resellers.
As a gamer, when I started noticing some massive deposits, amounting to around 32 million dollars, appearing under Whitner’s accounts from 2017 to 2022, questions began to bubble up in my mind. The plot thickened when federal authorities swooped in and seized $1.2M of the group’s assets back in 2021. The legal battle commenced, and details about the case were finally disclosed publicly in the fall of 2023.
When the dispute emerged, it sparked doubts about The Whitaker Group’s partnerships with companies such as Nike, which were implicated in the legal action. However, Whitner has managed to keep a steady alliance with Jordan throughout the ordeal. Information regarding the A Ma Maniére Air Jordan 4 “W.Y.W.S.” was recently disclosed in early September, following a string of fresh Jordan collaborations earlier this year. Find the Whitaker Group’s complete statement on the matter below.
Update: The Whitaker Group, which manages Social Status, has released a statement addressing the case:
As a dedicated supporter, I want to address the recent actions taken by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina (USAO). Following extensive collaboration and sincere negotiations on our part, these steps were undertaken. However, it is crucial to clarify that the accusations outlined in the complaint are baseless for us. They do not pertain to our operations or this community, and we firmly believe they are unwarranted.
For more than two decades, we’ve been a significant part of the international business landscape, managing operations in over twenty sites and employing approximately 250 individuals nationwide. Our mission has always been to empower people of color by giving them a platform to share their narratives and establish a tradition of greatness. Regrettably, our commitment to this cause is currently being challenged, even as we strive for constructive dialogue with the USAO.
We oppose the claims made by the USAO about our business, and we’re grateful for the unwavering support our partners have provided during this period. Our prosperity appears to have positioned us as a conspicuous target amidst the financial and regulatory conflict between the U.S. and China, which we are not involved in.
We eagerly anticipate upholding our business and operational structure, all while remaining committed to serving the communities that have welcomed us for the past 20 years with pride. This issue won’t discourage us from sharing our narratives and creating a lasting tradition of distinction. Rest assured, we will persistently safeguard our businesses, honoring the impact they make on culture, commerce, and community.
Federal investigators are examining an unidentified Charlotte businessman for suspected involvement in a $32 million USD money laundering case, as reported by local news outlet WSOC-TV. This individual is known to own a chain of streetwear and sneaker stores, with Social Status among them.
As reported by WSOC-TV, IRS investigators informed federal agents that a man purchased clothing and footwear from an undisclosed athletic company. It is alleged that he subsequently sold these items to a Chinese individual, in violation of his contract which prohibits selling goods outside the United States.
The IRS authorities claim that the Chinese purchaser later exported the acquired products overseas, and they have charged the North Carolina entrepreneur with illegally selling merchandise worth at least 32 million dollars during a span of five years.
Numerous traditional retail stores are finding it difficult to sell their inventory, particularly when it comes to older clothing and footwear items that pile up. The problem at hand isn’t just about the man breaching his contract with the sports brand but also the accusation of not disclosing cash payments over $10,000 USD to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a practice often referred to as money laundering.
The Charlotte businessman hasn’t been charged in connection with the case. This is a developing story, so stay tuned for updates.
In other fashion news, check out the Palace Ultimo 2023 full collection.
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2024-09-23 20:56