Biggest QVC Controversies: Lawsuits, False Ad Claims & One Notorious Email
Is QVC long for this world? Alongside HSN, the network popularized home shopping at the end of the 20th century. But QVC Group, which owns both QVC and HSN, declared bankruptcy this April, and even though QVC Group exited Chapter 11 reorganization in August, doubts about the company’s long-term viability remain.
“They’re still not in a position that they can easily pivot or grow, and that’s why very rarely do you see a company that has declared some form of bankruptcy once come back and rise like a phoenix out of the ashes,” Sucharita Kodali, principal analyst at market research company Forrester, told the Philadelphia Business Journal this month. “They’re alive, but they will often declare bankruptcy again or just die a slow death.”
Bankruptcy has just been one challenge for QVC in its four-decade history. Detailed below are what we consider the home shopping channel’s biggest controversies to date, ones that make a certain NSFW flub look like small potatoes.
1998: Former QVC hosts sue the network, claiming discrimination
In 1998, former QVC hosts Victor Velez and Gwen Owens sued QVC in federal court in New York, seeking $100 million in damages, per the Tampa Bay Times. Velez and Owens alleged QVC discriminated against hosts of color by paying them less and relegating them to overnight shifts, the newspaper reported. A QVC spokesperson denied the allegation of overnight-shift banishing.
A 2006 judgment favored QVC in the claims regarding hostile work environment, work assignment discrimination, retaliation, and gender-based compensation discrimination, and the claim that one plaintiff was terminated for racially-motivated reasons ended with a mistrial, according to Direct Message News. But the plaintiffs did receive $67,537 for Equal Pay Act violations, the outlet added.
2004: Federal Trade Commission accuses QVC of false advertising
The Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against QVC in 2004, accusing the network of false advertising of For Women Only weight-loss products such as zero-fat and zero-carb pills, according to the Associated Press. The FTC also alleged QVC made unsubstantiated claims about Lite Bites “fat-fighting bars” and other products for weight loss or energy boost, the AP reported.
In a statement at the time, then-QVC president and CEO Doug Briggs said the network “work[ed] extraordinarily hard to make sure that our 24-hour live broadcasting meets the highest possible standards of truthfulness.”
Five years later, QVC agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle the FTC charges, as the commission announced at the time. “QVC aired ads that weren’t true and violated an FTC order,” said Eileen Harrington, then the acting director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Simply put, we aren’t going to let QVC get away with this. The company is responsible for the product claims made on its programs, and we expect that going forward, QVC will do a better job for its audience and make sure that its programs are truthful and not deceptive.”
2013: QVC drops Paula Deen after she admits to past usage of racial slur
QVC got caught up in Paula Deen’s 2013 scandal, which arose from a deposition in which the TV chef admitted to having used a racial slur in the past. Joining Target, Home Depot, and Walmart, QVC cut ties with Deen following the revelation, according to ABC News.
In a message to her QVC customers, Deen wrote, “As you know, I have some important things to work on right now, both personally and professionally. And so we’ve agreed that it’s best for me to step back from QVC and focus on setting things right. I am truly sorry and assure you I will work hard to earn your forgiveness.”
Mike George, then the CEO and president of QVC, said in a statement that the company was “taking a pause” on hosting Deen on air or selling her products online. “We all think it’s important, at this moment, for Paula to concentrate on responding to the allegations against her and on her path forward,” George added.
2022: QVC lays off more than 1,900 employees after deadly North Carolina warehouse fire
QVC announced in 2022 it would lay off more than 1,900 people at its warehouse in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, according to WRAL News. “[Employees at the warehouse are] kind of mind-boggled. They don’t know what to do,” QVC worker Bruce Avent told the outlet. “Everybody was kind of complacent where they were and content with the job they had. Looking for another job wasn’t on anybody’s mind, so it came as a complete shock to everyone.”
That layoff news came weeks after a five-alarm fire destroyed 75 percent of the warehouse. A 21-year-old worker was also found dead after the fire, WRAL News added. Later, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and QVC offered a total of $20,000 reward money for information into the blaze’s cause, WRAL News reported.
2024: QVC apologizes for offensive email
In 2024, QVC apologized after sending out a marketing email with the subject line “You’ll love this bag long time,” a paraphrasing of a phrase used to demean Asian women for decades, NBC News reported. Customers found the email offensive, and QVC president Mike Fitzharris quickly apologized.
“Earlier today, you received a marketing email for our Today’s Special Value that used derogatory language that is offensive, particularly to the Asian community and women, in the subject line,” Fitzharris said in a follow-up email. “I am personally sending this email because I want to apologize deeply that this happened. It runs counter to our values and principles as an organization and is in no way reflective of our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, something that makes us stronger as an organization.”
2026: Antthony Mark Hankins sues QVC, alleging unjustified termination
Fashion designer Antthony Mark Hankins sued QVC and parent company QVC Group for $30 million in federal court in 2026, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. In court documents, Hankins’ attorneys alleged his 31-year-old home shopping career came to an end at QVC in 2025 in an “abrupt and unjustified termination” that “reflects a pattern of discriminatory treatment, retaliatory conduct, and operational mismanagement.”
Hankins also alleged QVC discriminated against him based on race, including by promoting him more during Black History Month before pulling him off air despite a decades-long record of strong performance, the lawsuit added. And Hankins alleged breach of contract, defamation, interference with third-party business relationships, and misappropriation of his name and likeness in advertisements.
Six months later, Hankins said in a press release that his lawsuit was still pending amid QVC’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan. “From the beginning, I have believed in allowing the facts to be presented through the courts,” he said. “I remain committed to protecting my work, my business, and the legacy I spent more than three decades building.”
Conversation17 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
-
A
Bring Antthony back! His clothes are second to none. The quality, the fit, the colors are awesome. For QVC to do this to a person who has worked practically his whole life for your company ought to tell you that people like Antthony are jewels that are hard to replace. I’m a QVC shopper. I have been since 1990. When Antthony’s fashions were first aired, I was skeptical at first. Then I started buying clothing from his line, I found the quality to be great. I still buy dime clothing from QVC like Kim Gravel for example, but, her clothes are nothing like Antthony’s. I also buy Renee’s (women in control, attitudes by Renee) clothing also. So, for you guys at QVC to let Antthony go like that despite his hard work and dedication to the company is not fair and a shame.
I know I’m probably speaking for everyone who has bought Antthony’s clothing probably feels the same way I do!
Bring him back!!
-
C
I agree with you. His clothing is amazing once you got your size right you are good to go and never had to exchange bcz they fit perfectly.
I miss him and his joyful voice, energy and his detail to his clothing.
QVC HSN lost me as a customer. Women in Control can sometimes be pricey.
-
-
M
Every company has some negative issues. How many in 40 years?
In all fairness about the warehouse fire,it seems reasonable that they had to lay off. Companies all over the country does that. They close or sell etc. I'm sure the employees were able to collect unemployment benefits at least. They weren't singled.out.
You always have a few that feel wronged.
I will say they make over the top claims on items. I always say they could sell grannies false teeth.
-
M
I have always liked HSN over QVC. HSN has always been more customer friendly and trustworthy. I think QVC is dragging HSN down. If only they could separate again from QVC and stand alone.
-
B
Hsn is gone for good
-
-
L
I've loved QVC since my grandmother started purchasing their jewelry 35+ years ago. Now at 56 years old I purchase 90% of my clothes from QVC.
It's ridiculous for anyone to think in 40 of business a company is going to be 100% perfect. Sheesh...
I hope QVC stays in business another 40 years!
-
D
Antthony brought joy and quality to HSN like no one else. He uplifted so many especially during COVID when no one was in studio. Antthony brought so much life through his home streams and continued to bring quality clothing to the masses. He has been treated unfairly for someone who has given so much.
-
G
I bought a Lazy-boy Recliner from QVC
It is not the fabric one. The thin leather look material is peeling on both arms. I called QVC, they told me it was not warranted. I have quit shopping. I do like Denin & Co. But no more other shopping for me. They have become more like a grocery food store and so expensive. I bake my Carrot Cake that looks like theirs and it doesn’t cost $50 plus shipping.
-
L
Antthony, you are SO MISSED on HSN! Your clothes are beautifully designed and you do not sacrifice quality and value for your Customers. The Car Coats, 2 & 3 piece ensembles are a fabulous value! No company could beat your value!
-
A
Anthony is an exceptional designer. His materials and designs are timeless, yet current. I have items from 15 years ago. I miss him. This corporation truly made a mistake. I’ve tried other brands, but the quality is not there. I’m left wondering “WHY ANTHONY?” It’s truly baffling and his clients are missing out. QVC needs to find a way to correct this wrong.
-
L
I do not understand. QVC Group filed bankruptcy, and yet has road trips and lavish Brand Anniversary Parties. How is that fiscally responsible? QVC Group treats HSN like a stepchild, the perception is that HSN is less than QVC, and it is obvious. Both companies have increased their price, especially QVC. RETURN TO VALUE in this challenging economy! Over $30 for a T-SHIRT or $60-80 for a BLOUSE is insane! BRING BACK LOWER PRICES AND GREATER VALUE! RETURN TO YOUR ROOTS. Make the Hosts be Hosts instead of TMI about Menopause, female intimate body parts, and all the unnecessary Streaming channels. Plus, I know TT is popular among the younger generation but to offer special pricing just for TT consumers is a slap in the face to your LOYAL, OLDER CUSTOMER BASE - many of which do not have or use TT.
-
P
I know that it's false advertisement what they claim about their clothes line. Especially coming from Kim Gravels clothes. False advertisement on face products claiming it works on the first use. False!! It doesn't work at all.
-
L
I purchased a lot of Kim Gravel's clothes and I completely disagree. She is very truthful in her advertising. Just because it was your experience doesn't mean it was everybody's experience.
-
-
J
WE USED TO LOVE QVC, BUT IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS THE COMPANY HAS BECOME VERY EXPENSE!! QVC HAD GREAT PRICES OR DEALS AT OME TIME. BUT WHEN THEY SELL CHICKEN AT $20.00 PLUS A POUND, YOU LOSE MY INTEREST. ALSO SELLING SODA WITH REGULAR SUGAR (LIKE IT'S SPECAIL) FOR S15.00 OR 20.00 A CASE REALLY!!! WE HAVE PURCHASED COMPUTORS, FOOD AND MORE IN THE PAST. NOW I SEE A BUNCH OF NEW FACES WHO ACT LIKE THEY HAVE A REPUTATION WE SHOULD TRUST WITH NO TRACK RECORD!
-
B
O and by the way what they charge u all is not what the items are worth they are ripping all their customers off
-
D
I stopped watching HSN and QVC. Not enough diversity
-
C
Not ENOUGH diversity? They go overboard trying to appease everyone! There's always one who doesnt want equality..only to dominate everyone else!
-