Contestants on Shark Tank Engage in Heated Dispute with Investor

In a recent development, Daymond John, one of the investors from the popular reality show Shark Tank, has obtained a permanent restraining order against former contestants on the show. The conflict began back in 2013 when former NFL player Al “Bubba” Baker appeared on the show with his family and sought a $300,000 investment in their business, Bubba’s BBQ & Catering. The investment was to secure a 15% equity stake in the business, including its signature product, Bubba’s Q De-Boned Baby Back Rib Steak products. Daymond John agreed to invest in exchange for a 30% equity stake, which was later negotiated down to 20%. (Source: USA Today)

However, the relationship between Daymond John and the Baker family turned sour over the years, with disputes arising over control of the business and profit-sharing. The legal battle finally concluded in 2019, with a settlement agreement that prohibited the Bakers from making negative comments about John or his company in the media. However, in May of this year, the Bakers spoke to the Los Angeles Times and expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming they were misled and that working with John had been a “nightmare”. They also accused Shark Tank of portraying their business as a $16 million success when their earnings were significantly lower at less than $660,000. In response, Daymond John filed for a restraining order, stating that the Bakers had defamed him online.

The judge presiding over the case sided with Daymond John, noting the “unusual vehemence and persistence” of the Bakers’ attack on his reputation. The judge recognized the irreparable harm caused to John’s reputation and ordered the Bakers to refrain from making any negative comments about him or their business dealings, as well as removing all social media posts related to these topics. Daymond John released a statement following the ruling, stating that the facts and the judge’s opinion confirmed his innocence. (Source: CBS News)