Avanta Boot Labs Slam Karen Chen For Boot Problems

[berthesghost]

Because Karen has only 1 pairs of boots. The company destroyed them in front of her, presumably just before they kicked her puppy and laughed buhahahaha. Then someone, definitely not Karen!, leaked the story to TSL.

 

[Erin]

I figured Karen's withdrawal from Worlds had something to do with the boot drama but can't say I quite expected this.

 

[DimaToe]

“Broke my boots in front of me” takes boot problems to a new level

My uninformed guess would be that if it did happen that it was to show Chen how 3rd party alterations done to the boots can make them fragile and unreliable.

Although it’s more fun to say Avanta placed Karen’s boots under a guillotine while she cried and Grandma Wagner laughed hysterically in the background

 

[kittyjake5]

I don't know what to think. Why would Karen even deal with Avanta after the way she was treated never mind bring her boots to
them to be repaired and before Worlds.

 

[antmanb]

People are really listening to and running with a story that only Dave Lease and the crying in a bathroom in [insert city name I forget here] guy are peddling?

Avanta have behaved appallingly throughout, but I personally wouldn't put any weight behind anything these liars at TSL put out either.

The totally gossipy/hyperbole way of delivery doesn't give the story much credence either.

 

[Erin]

People are really listening to and running with a story that only Dave Lease and the crying in a bathroom in [insert city name I forget here] guy are peddling?

Avanta have behaved appallingly throughout, but I personally wouldn't put any weight behind anything these liars at TSL put out either.

The totally gossipy/hyperbole way of deliver doesn't give the story much credence either.

All of this. (I realized my earlier statement made it seem like I believed the story and what I meant was I didn't expect this subsequent drama...and this is definitely drama regardless of what you believe)

 

[Yazmeen]

If the story is true, Avanta deserves to go down in flames. After the Klingbeil memorabilia is removed from the premises.

But my main impression was THIS is what TSL has degenerated into (I don't watch anymore)?? Mother of God...

 

[just tuned in]

Question for lawyers: If Avanta persons deliberately broke her boots, can she sue?

 

[clairecloutier]

All this drama with Avanta aside, I'm just really sad that Karen's season (and possibly career) has fallen apart to this extent. Between the chronic back problem, the foot problems, and the boot drama ... sigh. I love her skating and it's just really sad to see.

 

[BittyBug]

Question for lawyers: If Avanta persons deliberately broke her boots, can she sue?

It's America - people sue for any and every reason. But can she prevail? She'd need to prove intent, which I think would be difficult since it would be her word against theirs. Also, didn't she have multiple pairs of boots? Wasn't that the story at the OLYs - that they had given her multiple pairs of boots?

 

[barbarafan]

It's America - people sue for any and every reason. But can she prevail? She'd need to prove intent, which I think would be difficult since it would be her word against theirs. Also, didn't she have multiple pairs of boots? Wasn't that the story at the OLYs - that they had given her multiple pairs of boots?

They were giving her the skates for free so does that mean she owns them or do they still have title.

 

[berthesghost]

They were giving her the skates for free so does that mean she owns them or do they still have title.

i was going to ask the same thing. Are sponsorships gifts, or more like when actresses wear designer gowns on red carpet but don’t own them?

I don't know what to think. Why would Karen even deal with Avanta after the way she was treated never mind bring her boots to
them to be repaired and before Worlds.

i assume it’s because she’s got some kind of legally binding deal with them that prevents her from just walking away. Who knows.

 

[just tuned in]

i was going to ask the same thing. Are sponsorships gifts, or more like when actresses wear designer gowns on red carpet but don’t own them?i assume it’s because she’s got some kind of legally binding deal with them that prevents her from just walking away. Who knows.

I had the same question. Does Karen own the boots? I would guess so.

 

[hanca]

They were giving her the skates for free so does that mean she owns them or do they still have title.

There is a difference between giving someone something and lending someone something. As far as I heard, they claim that they ‘gave’ her boots, so she should own them.

 

[Tavi]

Question for lawyers: If Avanta persons deliberately broke her boots, can she sue?

For starters, you’d have to prove that they “deliberately” broke her boots, which would not necessarily be easy. She could take them to small claims court to recover the cost of the boots if she can prove they were negligent or acted deliberately to destroy her property - except that they were free to her. If you’re asking whether she could recover punitive or compensatory damages for loss of reputation or damage to her career - a good lawyer might try to make something of it but it would be a hard ask - she’d have to prove what the action cost her - and since she hasn’t been winning or placing well, not sure what she could show. She would also have to consider whether its in her best interests to sue, which it probably would not be.

 

[meggonzo]

People are really listening to and running with a story that only Dave Lease and the crying in a bathroom in [insert city name I forget here] guy are peddling?

Avanta have behaved appallingly throughout, but I personally wouldn't put any weight behind anything these liars at TSL put out either.

The totally gossipy/hyperbole way of delivery doesn't give the story much credence either.

It wouldn't surprise me if Avanta is malfeasant in this situation after the ridiculous Instagram post that they still haven't taken down. And sometimes TSL is right ...

 

[VGThuy]

People are really listening to and running with a story that only Dave Lease and the crying in a bathroom in [insert city name I forget here] guy are peddling?

Avanta have behaved appallingly throughout, but I personally wouldn't put any weight behind anything these liars at TSL put out either.

The totally gossipy/hyperbole way of delivery doesn't give the story much credence either.

I normally would never trust TSL with a story like this, especially with the way they decided to tell it as they were orgasming over the drama. However, I am just saying that something as outrageous as this is something I would normally think was implausible to consider is now something I CAN see them doing just based on past behavior from Avanta. This is why that IG post, subsequent posts, making fake accounts to make it look like they had supporters and to attack Karen, etc. was really a bad idea from from a business POV as it makes me think so low of that company that I'd think it would be plausible for them to do something like this because they behaved so outrageously in terms of business conduct.

 

[Carolla5501]

Yep I'm in the school of believe nothing from TSL, but even I am thinking "these idiots are just capable of doing that" Avanta has made themselves look like fools and don't even have the sense to make amends. Hopefully other skaters/parents/coaches will see this behavior and go elsewhere. If Avanta had bothered to take down the original rant I would feel different, but now... Uh no. You are a company, even if your customer did you wrong you have to act like you run by responsible adults!

 

[just tuned in]

For starters, you’d have to prove that they “deliberately” broke her boots, which would not necessarily be easy. She could take them to small claims court to recover the cost of the boots if she can prove they were negligent or acted deliberately to destroy her property - except that they were free to her. If you’re asking whether she could recover punitive or compensatory damages for loss of reputation or damage to her career - a good lawyer might try to make something of it but it would be a hard ask - she’d have to prove what the action cost her - and since she hasn’t been winning or placing well, not sure what she could show. She would also have to consider whether its in her best interests to sue, which it probably would not be.

Thanks. Even though she got the boots for free, they may still have had value (but on the other hand, I guess not).

 

[Vagabond]

I don't know what to think. Why would Karen even deal with Avanta after the way she was treated never mind bring her boots to
them to be repaired and before Worlds.

Why do you assume that the alleged incident happened before the Instagram post? It could just as easily have happened afterward.

They were giving her the skates for free so does that mean she owns them or do they still have title.

If someone gives you something, you own it.

It's America - people sue for any and every reason. But can she prevail? She'd need to prove intent, which I think would be difficult since it would be her word against theirs. Also, didn't she have multiple pairs of boots? Wasn't that the story at the OLYs - that they had given her multiple pairs of boots?

The poster who raised the question assumed that the action was deliberate; hence, it could be proved. But does it matter? Negligence is an actionable tort. Regardless of whether there is any truth to what Dave Lease says "allegedly" happened, however, it would be difficult to prove whether Chen had any damages that could be calculated or exceed her legal fees, so it might not worth suing.

On the other hand, when Avanta posts something on Instagram telling Karen Chen, "It is also unfortunate and hurtful that your portrayal of the narrative you are espousing contains an inaccurate depiction of the chain of events which has led you to lay blame on others outside your circle," this might give rise to a claim for libel, inasmuch as it accuses her of lying. I would not be surprised if Karen Chen is having an attorney look into this.

 

[VGThuy]

That original IG post I believe was enough for a defamation claim and she could add missing Worlds as part of her damages if her negligence/intentional tort claim has merit. Somebody will need to calculate any actual loss from that. However, I’m sure she and her team are thinking carefully about dragging this issue further and if she sues then she will open herself up for cross examination.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

Hasn't she been on the ice choreographing and practicing for Stars On Ice, though? I know the demands on boots are very different between competition and show skating, but in a trial I'd think it would substantially weaken any claim that Avanta kept her from going to worlds or damaged her career.

 

[Spun Silver]

Good grief. This is the whack that keeps on whacking. Can't somebody make it stop?

I dislike TSL and my position is, Something happened but we don't know what.

 

[Tinami Amori]

For what it's worth:
- TSL info is not correct, as described. Avanta did not "tear up Karen's boots in front of her out of spite".
- Karen continued to communicate with Will@Avanta all through the Olympics, and after the "confrontation" in the media.
- At the Olympics she had 3 pairs of boots with her, each had an issue, and some of the pairs were "adjusted" by several 3rd parties.
- Karen called Avanta after she returned from Korea (after the twitter and facebook confrontations) and asked if Avanta can give her new pair of boots. Avanta asked her to bring in all her boots to see what they can do.
- Karen brought one pair of boots. Avanta proceeded to examine them, had to take off the sole to see the damage and to show Karen what the issues are, and to fix them.
- During that process, Karen's father and Will engaged in an argument, a serious one, at the end of which Karen's family left, saying "we have a boot offer" (from "H-brand"), the skates that were taken apart apparently did not get a chance to be put together.
- The next day after the confrontation @ Avanta, Karen went to LA, and got a pair of boots from Jackson, which she used for the next few weeks to practice on. Those Jackson boots also did not work, and Karen had problems. That's when she made a decision to pass on the Worlds.
(The confrontation between Avanta and Karen's father was unbelievably immature to even repeat. Same for a lot of internal/private email and twitter exchange between the 2 parties and related people.)

 

[Tinami Amori]

TSL should stop twisting info they get as hearsay into "sensational facts" to get viewers. One day their "allegations" prefix will lead them to a law suit.

 

[meggonzo]

For what it's worth:
- TSL info is not correct, as described. Avanta did not "tear up Karen's boots in front of her out of spite".
- Karen continued to communicate with Will@Avanta all through the Olympics, and after the "confrontation" in the media.
- At the Olympics she had 3 pairs of boots with her, each had an issue, and some of the pairs were "adjusted" by several 3rd parties.
- Karen called Avanta after she returned from Korea (after the twitter and facebook confrontations) and asked if Avanta can give her new pair of boots. Avanta asked her to bring in all her boots to see what they can do.
- Karen brought one pair of boots. Avanta proceeded to examine them, had to take off the sole to see the damage and to show Karen what the issues are, and to fix them.
- During that process, Karen's father and Will engaged in an argument, a serious one, at the end of which Karen's family left, saying "we have a boot offer" (from "H-brand"), the skates that were taken apart apparently did not get a chance to be put together.
- The next day after the confrontation @ Avanta, Karen went to LA, and got a pair of boots from Jackson, which she used for the next few weeks to practice on. Those Jackson boots also did not work, and Karen had problems. That's when she made a decision to pass on the Worlds.
(The confrontation between Avanta and Karen's father was unbelievably immature to even repeat. Same for a lot of internal/private email and twitter exchange between the 2 parties and related people.)

Well I don't really blame Karen's father for getting into an argument with Will/Avanta after they posted online that Karen disgraced the meaning of an Olympian.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Well I don't really blame Karen's father for getting into an argument with Will/Avanta after they posted online that Karen disgraced the meaning of an Olympian.

Both sides at that point put their previous confrontation behind, and were willing to start working together again... The confrontation at the shop had "new issues".

TSK should watch what they say publicly.

 

[Yazmeen]

Um, @Tinami Amori, exactly how do you know EXACTLY what went on here??

 

[aml78]

Why does Karen have so many issues finding boots? I’ve never heard a skater talk about boots as much as Karen Chen.

 

[skatfan]

Why does Karen have so many issues finding boots? I’ve never heard a skater talk about boots as much as Karen Chen.

Apparently she has injured feet (I'm thinking I heard neuro issues, but that could be wrong), which has made finding boots a really tough go.