American controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2014
Board removes founder Dov Charney
The board removed Charney as chairman and chief executive after allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior toward employees. Charney disputed the action and sought reinstatement.
2014
Founder misconduct allegations and removal
Dov Charney was removed from the board’s leadership roles following allegations of misconduct and inappropriate conduct toward employees. Charney denied the allegations and challenged the removal.
2014
Advertising-regulator criticism
Several advertisements were criticized or prohibited by advertising authorities for sexualized imagery, exposed underwear, voyeuristic framing, or the apparent sexualization of a young-looking model.
2013
New York store criticized over culturally insensitive display
A store display using imagery associated with African and Afro-American religious traditions prompted public criticism.
2013
Culturally insensitive store display
A New York store display drew criticism for imagery associated with Traditional African and Afro-American religious practices, including Vodou, Vodun, and Santería traditions.
2010
Auditor resignation prompts investigations
Deloitte & Touche resigned after raising concerns that American Apparel’s 2009 financial statements might not be reliable. The resignation was followed by investigations involving U.S. authorities.
2010
Accounting and auditor controversy
The resignation of Deloitte & Touche over concerns about the reliability of American Apparel’s 2009 financial statements led to investigations by U.S. securities and law-enforcement authorities.
2009
Advertising authorities criticize sexualized campaigns
Several advertisements were criticized or banned, including a United Kingdom advertisement judged to sexualize a model who appeared underage and later campaigns criticized as voyeuristic or potentially normalizing predatory behavior.
2007
Woody Allen sues over billboard campaign
Woody Allen sued American Apparel over billboards using his image from Annie Hall. The dispute was settled in 2009, reportedly for $5 million paid largely by the insurer.
2007
Woody Allen image-use lawsuit
American Apparel used an image of Woody Allen’s Annie Hall character on billboards without his authorization. Allen sued, and the dispute was settled in 2009 for a reported $5 million.