Dame Natalie Massenet has filed a civil lawsuit in California accusing her ex-partner Erik Torstensson of fraud, addiction, and secretly leading a double life.
At a Glance
- Natalie Massenet founded luxury fashion platform Net-a-Porter in 2000
- Lawsuit filed in California against entrepreneur Erik Torstensson
- Allegations include affairs, drug and alcohol abuse, and prostitution
- Massenet claims over $95 million of her investments were misused
- Torstensson allegedly called himself a liar, addict, and sex addict
The Lawsuit Unveiled
Natalie Massenet, credited with revolutionizing luxury e-commerce through the creation of Net-a-Porter, has taken legal action against Erik Torstensson, her former partner and a Swedish entrepreneur. According to the California civil complaint, Massenet accuses Torstensson of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and misappropriation of tens of millions of dollars she invested in his ventures.
Watch now: Net-a-Porter founder sues ex-partner, alleges secret life of drugs, prostitutes & affairs · YouTube
The filing alleges Torstensson engaged in a “secret double life” characterized by heavy drinking, drug use, and compulsive sexual behavior, including relationships with multiple partners and encounters with prostitutes. The document states that he personally described himself as a “liar, alcoholic, drug addict, and sex addict.”
Financial Fallout
The lawsuit highlights the financial dimension of the dispute, claiming that more than $95 million Massenet invested was mismanaged or siphoned into unrelated activities. She asserts that these funds were intended for legitimate business projects but were instead compromised by Torstensson’s personal conduct and alleged deceptions.
Massenet, who sold Net-a-Porter in a multi-billion-dollar deal to Richemont in 2010, maintains that her reputation and financial standing have been put at risk by Torstensson’s alleged misuse of capital. Court filings emphasize that her investments were made in good faith but later exploited.
A Public and Private Battle
Beyond finances, the lawsuit reflects the intertwining of personal and professional lives. Massenet and Torstensson had a longstanding relationship that extended from the boardroom to their private lives, complicating the fallout. By alleging that Torstensson lived a double life hidden behind a polished public image, Massenet’s claims spotlight the reputational risks high-profile figures face in both business and society.
Legal experts note that while the case focuses on civil damages rather than criminal charges, the accusations could influence both Torstensson’s future business dealings and his standing in the fashion and entrepreneurial communities. Observers suggest the proceedings may reveal further details about the blurred lines between personal relationships and corporate finance at the highest levels of fashion and technology investment.
What Comes Next
The lawsuit is at an early stage, with court hearings expected later this year. Torstensson has not yet issued a public response to the allegations. If substantiated, the case could result in significant financial restitution for Massenet, though the public airing of the claims may carry reputational costs for both parties.
For Massenet, the case represents both a financial dispute and a public attempt to distance herself from alleged misconduct tied to her former partner. For Torstensson, the coming legal battle could determine the trajectory of his career and credibility within the luxury and tech sectors.
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