FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING champion George Foreman was sued by a marketing company for allegedly breaking a contract to launch a line of premium steaks under the ex-champ’s brand.
The suit, brought by GreatMeals USA, claims that it was hired by George Foreman Foods in 2003 to create a Web site for the steaks and to handle sales via the Internet, catalogs and cable shopping networks. As part of the arrangement, Foreman allegedly agreed to promote the steak and make personal appearances.
In the complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, GreatMeals says it spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to roll out the product and had reached a $37 million licensing deal with the Home Shopping Network. It also had a catalog ready to go when the deal fell through, partly because of Foreman’s refusal to participate in promotions.
The suit brings charges of fraud, breach of contract and interference with contract against Foreman and a Miami law firm. It asks for $50 million in damages.
Foreman won the heavyweight title in 1973 by knocking out Joe Frazier in two rounds. He lost it to Muhammad Ali in 1974, and rewon it at the age of 45 in 1994 by kayoing Michael Moorer in 10.
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