YouTuber Connor Franta's Allegations: Business Partners Accused of Siphoning Over $1 Million
YouTuber Connor Franta has recently made headlines after accusing his business partners at Heard Well of siphoning over $1 million from the company. Franta, known for his YouTube channel with 4.8 million subscribers and as the author of 'A Work in Progress,' co-founded Heard Well in 2015 with an initial investment of $2,000 each. However, the recent lawsuit filed in California Superior Court paints a troubling picture of financial mismanagement and alleged theft within the company.
The lawsuit alleges that Franta's business partners, including cofounders Jeremy Wineberg and Andrew Graham, as well as the company's business manager, have been involved in financial impropriety. Jeremy Wineberg is accused of using the company's American Express Black Card for personal expenses such as travel, concert tickets, tattoos, groceries, and even plastic surgery. Franta claims that Wineberg "systematically looted" the company, using its funds to pay off personal expenses charged to the Amex card.
Andrew Graham, Franta's former CAA agent and another cofounder of Heard Well, is also implicated in the lawsuit for allegedly converting thousands of Heard Well dollars for personal use. The lawsuit further asserts that the financial mismanagement and alleged theft have left Heard Well in a financially precarious position, prompting Franta to take legal action against his former partners.
Franta's lawsuit also points fingers at Lindsay Wineberg & Associates, managed by Jeremy's father, for negligence in allowing over $1 million to be funneled into Wineberg and Graham's personal accounts. However, the accused parties have vehemently denied these allegations. Jeremy's lawyer, Bryan Sullivan, and Graham's lawyer, John Shenk, have both refuted the claims, stating that their clients did not engage in any misconduct and will defend themselves in court.
Despite the legal battle and financial turmoil, Franta remains committed to upholding integrity in his professional endeavors. He expressed his dedication to ethical conduct, especially with fellow creators, stating, "Acting with integrity and respect in all my professional endeavors – especially with fellow creators – has always been a top priority for me." Franta emphasized that upon discovering the financial discrepancies, he took immediate action to protect the company and pursue necessary legal remedies.
Heard Well, a music label that collaborates with influencers, has released numerous albums over the years. However, according to the lawsuit, Franta claims to have seen minimal profits from the company's endeavors despite its nearly 10-year existence. The lawsuit highlights that earlier this year, Franta became aware of overdue royalty payments after a YouTube video accused the company of fraudulent practices.
