Bling Empire star sues designer over jewelry brand deal

“Bling Empire’s” fashion-forward star Kane Lim claims he was stiffed over a deal he had with entrepreneur Jonathan Koon, according to a federal lawsuit.Beginning in February 2019, Lim began shooting the Netflix reality series that followed the lives of several wealthy Los Angeles-based Asians.Lim, who has worked “with signature brands and fashion houses such as Versace and Nobu Group,” was billed by media outlets as the “break-out star of the show,” which began streaming in 2021 and had a three-season run, according to the Manhattan federal court suit filed Sept.30.

As a result, Lim was introduced to Koon — “a Chinese American who purports himself to be an entrepreneur, artist, and fashion designer” — in late spring 2021 through a mutual friend because Koon “sought media attention for an up-and coming fashion brand, No.8, for which he designed jewelry,” the suit says.The two cut a “brand deal” in August of that year where Lim would use his role on “Bling Empire” to feature and endorse No.8 jewelry products, the complaint says.Lim says he kept his end of the bargain but never got paid the 10% commission outlined in the deal, according to the filing.He also alleges contract fraud in that he invested $100,000 with Koon’s clothing and accessories company, Bling, which was supposed to give 10% of the money to charity.The suit seeks unspecified damages.

Lim’s lawyer did not return messages.Koon, of Great Neck, could not be reached for comment....