Luke Combs issued an apology following a legal dispute where a fan, Nicol Harness, was sued on Amazon for selling merchandise featuring his face. Combs addressed the issue in a TikTok video posted on Wednesday, expressing his surprise and commitment to rectify the situation.
Combs revealed that he became aware of the lawsuit upon waking up and spent the next two hours working to resolve the matter. The legal action targeted the unauthorized sale of merchandise utilizing Combs’s image, with Harness’s online shop specializing in handmade gifts being included in the lawsuit.
Nicol Harness, based in Tampa, reportedly sold only 18 Luke Combs-themed Tumblers when faced with the legal proceedings. Due to the nature of serving lawsuits via email in Illinois, Harness claimed that the lawsuit notification ended up in her spam mailbox, and she was unaware of it. Shockingly, she learned about the lawsuit after a judge had allegedly ruled that she owed Combs $250,000. Subsequently, all future sales from her Amazon store were to be directed to Combs until the amount was paid off.
Amidst these legal complexities, Harness had recently returned from a hospital stay due to congestive heart failure. Combs clarified in the TikTok video that his legal team typically focuses on pursuing large corporations engaged in illegal activities on an international scale. He expressed dismay that Harness, an individual, got unintentionally involved in such proceedings.
Combs, understanding the gravity of the situation, reached out to Harness, apologized for the misunderstanding, and expressed his sympathy. He mentioned that Nicol was shocked by the situation and conveyed his deep regret for the ordeal, particularly during the holiday season. Combs emphasized that no fan should face such legal complications.
To make amends, Combs announced his intention to create a tumbler to be sold on his website, with all proceeds directed towards assisting Nicol Harness with her medical bills. Additionally, he planned to meet Harness in person and invited her and her family to attend one of his shows, expressing a desire to apologize in person and offer support.
In conclusion, Combs reassured his fans that he is actively working to resolve the situation, expressing his love for them and promising to keep them updated on the progress.