Two former employees of Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, Lisa Rodriguez, 53, and Leslie Bethel, 57, have filed a lawsuit against the luxury brand. The lawsuit, lodged on June 2 in New York, alleges delays in the payment of their biweekly checks and commission payments for their full-time roles at the beauty counter.

Both women were employed at the Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York during the previous year. Bethel began her role in early April, with Rodriguez following shortly after in May. According to their claims, neither received a paycheck for approximately six weeks after their employment began, causing significant financial distress.

Rodriguez reported that when she raised her concerns and provided evidence of overdue rent and car payments caused by unpaid wages, she was terminated from her position. Allegedly, during a meeting regarding her complaints, she was informed that her dismissal was due to not meeting “Dolce standards.”

Meanwhile, Bethel decided to leave the company in January after encountering similar payroll issues herself. She alleges that Dolce & Gabbana failed to issue her final paycheck, further exacerbating her grievances against the organization.

This lawsuit is not the first instance of Dolce & Gabbana facing public scrutiny. The brand previously faced backlash for controversial statements and actions, including culturally insensitive designs and remarks against LGBTQ+ communities. The company’s practices have been controversial for years, raising questions about ethics in its corporate culture.

Rodriguez and Bethel’s lawsuit addresses broader concerns prevalent in the beauty industry regarding timely wage payments. Many artists and creators continue to struggle with late payments, but a growing number are now sharing their experiences, suggesting a potential shift towards accountability.

As this legal situation unfolds, both women are seeking justice for wage violations and retaliatory treatment from their employer. Dolce & Gabbana Beauty has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the lawsuit, leaving questions about the brand’s commitment to its employees and ethical practices.