Gucci's Ex-Wife Accused Of Selling Fakes

The ex-wife of a deceased heir to fashion giant GUCCI has been accused of using her former husband's name to make money on her own line of non-luxury products.

In documents filed in Manhattan Federal Court this week (beg19Jan09), executives at Gucci America claim Paolo Gucci's former wife of 14 years, Jennifer, and her daughter, Gemma, have been selling skin care products, bedding and linens using the family name without its trademark.

The suit also accuses Jennifer Gucci's attorney, Edward Litwak, of attempting to sell non-existent licensing deals for the products.

Documents acquired by the New York Daily News read: "It should be clear to this court by now that Litwak is, plainly and simply, a con man.

"He has bilked numerous unsuspecting individuals into giving him hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for licenses to use the name(s) Jennifer Gucci and Gemma Gucci."

Jennifer Gucci, a 51-year-old former opera singer, has denied the allegations.

Litwak reportedly admits licensing agreements were discussed, though no deals were finalised.