Apr 1, 05:25 PM

Sports Illustrated Owner Sues 5-Hour Energy Creator, Cites 'Gangster' Behavior

Authentic Brands Group, the owner of Sports Illustrated, has filed a lawsuit against Manoj Bhargava, the creator of 5-Hour Energy, and the publishing company he controls. The lawsuit accuses Bhargava of failing to make millions of dollars in payments for the rights to publish the magazine. The legal action has been described as a result of Bhargava's behavior, which was likened to that of a 'gangster'. This dispute has led to a mudslinging saga involving the venerable magazine. Furthermore, Authentic Brands Group alleges that Bhargava and his Arena Group attempted to pressure the company to 'cry uncle' before Minute Media was eventually chosen as Sports Illustrated's new publisher.