Did Dov Charney go to prison? Update after Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel

by

Netflix’s Trainwreck series in July offers a fresh installment every week, including the upcoming episode titled “The Cult of American Apparel.” This captivating episode delves into the controversial fashion brand and its creator, Dov Charney, shedding light on some potentially troubling aspects of his leadership. A word of caution: this content might be distressing to some viewers.

The Trainwreck series is a collection of thought-provoking documentaries, each featuring unusual and captivating real-life events that, at their inception, made front-page news due to their shared characteristic.

Currently, the Netflix series is shifting focus towards American Apparel, a company renowned for its vibrant garments, ethical manufacturing practices, and daring advertisements.

At its peak, it seemed like an incredibly stimulating place to be employed. However, according to ex-employees, the reality behind the scenes was far from rosy. Allegations of harassment, mistreatment, and a work environment centered around a captivating but harmful CEO have been made.

Did Dov Charney go to prison?

It’s important to note that Dov Charney has not only avoided serving time in prison but also hasn’t been charged with abuse in a public court of law. As one former employee puts it, “Dov, he’s managed to slip out of many sticky situations, and I suspect he’ll continue to do so.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t exempt him from being under examination: Charney was confronted with numerous accusations throughout the years, such as in the well-known 2011 lawsuit by former New York City store manager Irene Morales, who claimed he subjected her to “severe psychological abuse” and held her as a “sexual captive” shortly after her 18th birthday.

Various legal actions were filed, accusing sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, along with sexist and racist behavior, by employees as young as seventeen. However, a significant number of these cases failed to make it to court because they were settled through internal arbitration or the employees themselves waived their claims.

2015 saw Charney filing a defamation lawsuit worth $30 million against Standard General, the company’s major shareholder at the time, after being dismissed from American Apparel. He claimed that they orchestrated his ousting through what he termed as a “coup” and a “sham investigation”.

He made an additional claim for $100 million, alleging American Apparel leaders and Standard General of fraudulent activities and collusion.

In response, the clothing company presented legal records outlining Charney’s suspected wrongdoings, such as using offensive racial language, sexually harassing people, and disseminating inappropriate sexual content that involved staff members.

In 2017, the court dismissed Charney’s defamation lawsuit, and a judge prevented him from reclaiming ownership of the brand he once controlled, as his legal attempts proved unsuccessful despite his continuous denial of any wrongdoing.

Regardless of escaping criminal penalties, he might still encounter civil lawsuits or administrative sanctions if fresh accusations arise or additional proof surfaces. The latest Trainwreck episode delves into many of the charges leveled against him.

Where is the American Apparel founder now?

The documentary “Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel” further points out that Dov Charney, despite his dismissal from American Apparel in 2014, remains an influential figure in the world of fashion. Subsequently, he established Los Angeles Apparel in 2016.

Similar to its initial label, it’s a garment company that produces and sells American-made, simple clothing, and it’s located in South Central Los Angeles. Currently, it provides jobs for more than 1,500 individuals. In a Netflix documentary, Charney is depicted saying, “I have no regrets about anything.

In a straightforward and conversational manner: Charney’s latest business endeavor has stirred up some issues. During the pandemic, his company branched out to manufacture masks, which was considered an essential service. Unfortunately, the factory had to shut down due to over 300 employees testing positive for COVID-19 and the sad loss of four workers.

Regardless of the accusations leveled against him, the CEO’s company has persisted in prosperity, even earning endorsement from Kanye West and producing merchandise for his Yeezy line.

By May 2025, it was revealed that Los Angeles Apparel intends to inaugurate its initial store in New York City, indicating a revival of their retail presence.

Regarding his financial status, Celebrity Net Worth approximates his wealth to be approximately $500,000, a significant drop from his highest earnings but sustained by continuous business ventures. Despite remaining active on social media, most of his posts receive few comments.

Is American Apparel still in business?

Indeed, however, American Apparel is a vastly transformed entity now. Following Charney’s dismissal, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2015. With backing from its creditors, it underwent restructuring and shed a significant debt burden of around $135 million.

Another bankruptcy occurred in November 2016, leading to the closure of 110 US stores by April 2017. However, in January 2017, the brand was purchased by Canadian Gildan Activewear for $88 million, and it was revitalized with a new emphasis on online retail.

By 2018, I decided to refresh our brand image with a more subtle marketing approach, and I moved most of our production to Central America, distancing myself from the “Made in USA” tag we once proudly bore.

Streaming now on Netflix: “Trainwreck: The American Apparel Story.” Keep up with the latest in documentaries by learning about the fate of passengers on the infamous Poop Cruise, hearing David Sconce’s final words in “The Mortician,” and discovering other new releases hitting streaming services this month.

Read More

2025-07-01 23:48