Stella McCartney and LVMH Face Expanded Retaliation Lawsuit

The updated filing adds new claims against Stella McCartney, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and CEO Amandine Ohayon. These build upon an initial April 2026 lawsuit that accused the defendants of pay discrimination—citing a $235,000 salary for Dershaw compared to over $400,000 for his female predecessor—and whistleblower retaliation. Dershaw claims he was targeted after refusing to participate in a pricing scheme previously flagged as illegal by the firm’s own Chief Digital Officer.

Management justified the termination by citing attendance concerns, specifically a lunch-hour visit to a company sample sale and two medical appointments. The complaint challenges these grounds, noting that Dershaw was the first person in the office throughout that week and had worked early hours communicating with European colleagues. His attorney, Bennitta L. Joseph, characterized the move as a clear act of retaliation, noting that the company had provided written confirmation of his job security just days before the firing.

The amended complaint also seeks to establish a joint employer theory, arguing that LVMH maintained operational control over the brand even after its 2025 equity repurchase. The legal action asserts violations of the Equal Pay Act, New York Labor Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. The plaintiff is seeking back pay, front pay, and punitive damages, along with liquidated damages that could reach 300% of his wages.