Justin Levis, son of Cue Clothing Co founder Rod Levis, is taking his family to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, with an initial hearing set for later this month.
The news was first reported by the Australian Financial Review earlier this week, which noted that Levis had hoped to succeed his parents in running the 57-year-old fashion business, alongside his sister Melanie.
Levis has since shared a statement with Ragtrader, saying that despite his unwavering commitment and sacrifices, he was abruptly terminated from his role in May 2024 and completely removed from the business.
"After nearly three decades of leadership, I hold no ownership stake in the company I helped build. This is a devastating betrayal of both professional and personal trust," he shared.
"Rodney Levis has been rightly recognised for his contributions to the Australian retail industry, receiving an Order of Australia and an induction into the Retail Hall of Fame. While I respect his legacy and the business he built, it is inconceivable that my indispensable decades of leadership, strategic direction, and personal sacrifices have been disregarded and erased."
According to the statement, Levis' legal claim is seeking a constructive trust over up to 50 per cent of Cue Clothing Company, compensation and "any further relief the court deems appropriate."
"I remain hopeful for a resolution that reflects the truth, protects the stability of the business and reinforces the fundamental principle that commitments must be honoured, especially within families."
Levis' reported sacking in May last year came as Dion Lee entered administration, which Levis was helping manage at the time. Cue had made a $20 million loan into the brand, which formed part of Dion Lee's total liabilities of $35 million.
Through his career at Cue, Levis said he had rejected other opportunities in order to personally invest in the company’s future, adding it was with regret he was suing his parents.
Ragtrader has reached out to Cue Clothing Co for further commentary.