Netflix’s new batch of Trainwreck episodes continue throughout the month of July, with the latest – The Cult of American Apparel – focusing on the titular hipster fashion brand and the transgressions of its founder, Dov Charney. Warning: some may find this content distressing.
Trainwreck is an anthology documentary series focusing on a wide variety of gripping and bizarre cases that share one thing in common: they dominated the headlines when they first unfolded.
In June, we had episodes on the Travis Scott Astroworld tragedy, the late Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, and the infamous Poop Cruise. Now, the Netflix series is turning attention to American Apparel, the brand known for its colorful clothing, ethical production, and provocative advertising.
At its zenith, it looked like one of the most exciting places to work. But as former staffers reveal, behind-the-scenes things weren’t so bright, with claims of harassment, abuse, and a culture that revolved around a charismatic yet toxic CEO.
Did Dov Charney go to prison?
Not only has Dov Charney never gone to prison, but as is revealed in the new documentary, he has never faced allegations of abuse in a public court. Former employee Carson says, “Dov, he’s gotten away with a lot, and he will probably continue to get away with a lot.”
However, that doesn’t mean he completely escaped scrutiny: Charney faced multiple allegations over the years, including in a notorious 2011 lawsuit by former New York City store manager Irene Morales, who accused him of “extreme psychological abuse” and keeping her as a “sex slave” soon after her 18th birthday.
Other lawsuits alleged sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination, as well as sexist and racist misconduct, brought by employees as young as 17. But many did not reach court due to internal arbitration or employee-waived claims.
In 2015, after being ousted from American Apparel, Charney filed a $30 million defamation lawsuit against hedge fund investor Standard General – then the company’s largest shareholder – alleging it orchestrated his removal through what he called a “coup d’état” and a “sham investigation.”
He followed up with a separate $100 million claim accusing American Apparel officials and Standard General of fraud and conspiracy.
In response, the clothing brand submitted court documents detailing Charney’s alleged misconduct, including the use of racist slurs, sexual harassment, and sharing sexually explicit content involving employees.
Charney denied all wrongdoing, but his legal efforts ultimately failed. His defamation suit was dismissed in 2017, and a judge blocked his attempt to regain control of the brand.
Though he has avoided jail time, he could still face civil suits or regulatory action if new complaints surface or evidence emerges. Many of the allegations against him are examined in the new Trainwreck episode.
Where is the American Apparel founder now?
NetflixTrainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel also highlights the fact that Charney is still very much active in the fashion world. After being fired from American Apparel in 2014, he founded Los Angeles Apparel in 2016.
Much like his original brand, it’s a clothing company manufacturing US-made, plain clothing and is based in South Central LA. It currently employs over 1,500 people. In the Netflix documentary, Charney is shown in a clip saying, “I’m not sorry about sh*t.”
Charney’s new business hasn’t been without controversy. During the pandemic, his venture expanded into producing masks, allowing it to be deemed an essential business. However, the factory had to be closed down after more than 300 employees contracted covid and four workers died.
Despite this and the allegations against the CEO, his business has continued to enjoy success, even gaining support from Kanye West and manufacturing items for his Yeezy brand.
In May 2025, Los Angeles Apparel announced plans to open its first New York City store, a sign he’s rebuilding retail presence.
As for personal finances, Celebrity Net Worth estimates his wealth at around $500,000, a steep decline from his peak but bolstered by ongoing business activity. Though he’s still active on social media, the comments on many of his posts are limited.
Is American Apparel still in business?
NetflixYes, but it’s a very different company today. After ousting Charney, American Apparel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2015, restructuring with lender support and exiting debt of $135 million.
A second bankruptcy followed in November 2016, with its 110 US stores closing by April 2017. In January 2017, Canadian Gildan Activewear acquired the brand for $88 million, revitalizing it with a renewed focus on online operations.
By 2018, the firm rebranded with toned-down advertising and shifted most manufacturing to Central America, stepping away from its “Made in USA” origins.
Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel is streaming on Netflix now. For more documentary news, find out whether anyone died on the Poop Cruise, what David Sconce said in The Mortician finale, and other new shows coming to streaming this month.
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