Kate Ferdinand is at the centre of a row over a doughnut business, it's been reported.
The star, 31, is said to have been accused of pushing baker Aimee Clayton out of a business venture earlier this year, with the fallout reportedly getting 'very ugly'.
The reality TV star became a director of Dolly Donuts in September 2021, alongside pal Lisa Moralee, after Aimee originally founded the company as a home-run business in November 2020.
Kate, who is married to BT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand, invested in the business after it launched during the Covid-19 pandemic but is now accused, alongside Lisa, of offering to buy the founder's share of the company for just £37.
In April this year, Kate announced on Instagram that she had been working on Dolly Donuts 'for over a year with two other lovely mummy's' as she shared a reel showcasing the venue to her fans.
The cafe, based in Bromley, specialises in milkshakes, doughnuts, coffee and providing a welcoming location for parents and children to enjoy a treat together after school.
According to Companies House records, Aimee officially resigned as a director of Dolly Donuts on 11 August 2022 - just four months after Kate's Instagram post and the store opening.
Speaking with The Sun, a source claims Aimee, 36, has launched a legal case after her partners allegedly offered to buy her out of the Dolly Donuts business for just £37.
"Aimee has gone legal after feeling edged out of her own business. Things came to a head and Aimee has launched a legal case. It’s got very ugly," the source claims.
The publication goes on to state "Aimee refused to speak on the matter" when approached for comment regarding the source claims.
A spokesperson for Kate told The Sun no legal claim had been filed over Dolly Donuts, but did confirm lawyers were involved.
In April this year, Kate shared a reel to her Instagram page, in which she could be seen smiling alongside Aimee and Lisa outside Dolly Donuts.
"So excited I can finally share this with you all. Here is @dollydonuts_ one of the projects I’ve been working on for over a year with two other lovely mummy’s," Kate began as she captioned the video.
The former TOWIE star continued to write: "As mums, with 11 kids between us we wanted to create somewhere you can bring your kids along whatever the age. Donut decorating for all ages, milkshakes & a place to chill for the teenagers & the best coffees & donuts for us parents for after school drop off!
"The donuts really are the best I’ve ever tasted."
Kate concluded: "We aren’t shipping yet, it is just collection & eat in but when we are I will let you know, now who fancies a donut?"
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