Through Candid Edwards
December 19, 2025
Christopher Powell claims Tyra Banks violated a 10-year commercial lease.
Tyra Banks and her ice cream company are facing a $2.8 million lawsuit over a commercial lease dispute related to a planned Smize & Dream “hot ice cream” store in Washington, D.C.
The lawsuit was filed by Christopher Powell, a landlord and entrepreneur, who alleges that Banks, her company, School of Smize LLC, and business partner Louis Martin entered into a 10-year commercial lease in April 2024 for a flagship Smize & Dream location in the District’s Eastern Market neighborhood. Banks and her company subsequently left the property without meeting lease obligations Scream reported.
Powell’s complaint alleges that Banks originally pitched the DC location as part of a larger business plan to build a global Smize & Dream brand, one aimed at global reach.
“She said Smize & Dream would not only be an ice cream parlor, but also an initiative to provide underserved youth in Washington with education in science, sales and hospitality,” the filing said.
Additionally, Powell claims that the group “abruptly left the property” in June 2024 and failed to pay rent, causing him to suffer financial losses. Powell further claims as much shortly afterwards cancel the rental contract, Banks and Martin opened a Smize & Dream location in Sydney, Australia. Still, the company continued to facilitate pop-up events near its original DC location.
Powell is seeking $2.8 million plus late fees, accrued interest, attorneys’ fees and other related costs. Axios. The complaint includes claims for breach of contract and related allegations related to the lease.
Lawyers for Banks and Martin did that submitted a request for dismissal the lawsuit, alleging a lack of jurisdiction and that the complaint contains no claim. A federal judge granted Powell a delay to respond to that request.
Described as a “hot ice cream” concept with a social mission, Smize & Dream has generated attention for its branding and pop-up events in multiple U.S. cities and abroad.
Banks and Martin deny all allegations.
RELATED CONTENT: Alfonso Ribeiro Says Tyra Banks Was ‘Set Up for Failure’ During ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Stint
#Tyra #Banks #sued #tenancy #dispute