Yahoo Sports Daymond John seeks restraining order against Shark Tank contestants behind Bubba Q's Ribs
Celebrity investor and Shark Tank cast member Daymond John is seeking a temporary restraining order against the trio of former contestants behind Bubba Q's Boneless Baby Back Ribs, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The shark has waded into some murky waters after the Bubba Q owners — Al "Bubba" Baker, his wife Sabrina, and daughter Brittani — told the Los Angeles Times on May 18 that what began as their Shark Tank dream "has been a nightmare." Since the deal was struck, John, they allege, is cutting them out of profits and trying to seize control of the business.
Zach Rosenfield, a spokesperson for John, tells EW in a statement that the "temporary restraining order is due to the Bakers' blatant actions to undermine a business partnership and the legal parameters they agreed to four years ago."
It continues, "Their belief that they can unwind poor business decisions through slanderous social media posts and articles will no longer be tolerated."
Christopher Willard/ABC; Michael Ansell/ABC/Getty Daymond John and Al 'Bubba' Baker in 'Shark Tank'
The family appeared in a 2013 episode to pitch pre-cooked boneless baby back ribs. They accepted an offer from Daymond John, but have since accused the celebrity investor of misleading them. They allege that after the on-air offer of $300,000 for 30 percent of the company, John revised the terms of the deal to $100,000 for a 35 percent stake.
In response to the Times story, John sent the Bakers a cease-and-desist letter demanding they stop "making publicly disparaging or defamatory remarks" about John and his fellow investors. The Shark Tank star also posted a video response calling the Times piece a "flawed interview" and a "false narrative."
He added, "The journalist, I believe the underlying issue here is, did not understand business as well as I would have liked her to."
The family has continued to make public statements against the investor and reiterate their claims on social media. This includes posting emails, documents and a recorded conversation between Brittani Baker and John.
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