
Where Is Dov Charney Now? Inside Life After American Apparel
Netflix just dropped Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel and people can’t stop talking about it. The doc digs into how Dov Charney built the American Apparel empire and then watched it crumble. For years, he sold the brand as ethical and cool. But behind the logo, the real story was messy.
The film lays out how Charney pushed boundaries that shouldn’t have been crossed. It wasn’t just about edgy ads. It was about the work culture too. Allegations of inappropriate behavior and harassment piled up. Employees talk about lines getting blurred all the time.
Why Did American Apparel Fire Dov Charney?
Charney ran American Apparel from the start. He loved telling everyone the clothes were made in the USA. Workers got better pay than sweatshops overseas. But the good image didn’t match what was happening inside the walls.
As early as 2005, Charney was fighting off sexual harassment suits. More followed in 2011. Staff accused him of using slurs, crossing lines with workers, and ignoring any idea of workplace boundaries.
In December 2014, the company’s board finally had enough. They forced him out. He claimed later they twisted old accusations to push him aside. Either way, he lost the top job — and his big stake in the company.
What Did Charney Do After American Apparel?
After getting pushed out, Charney didn’t disappear. He stayed loud. He sued American Apparel for defamation in 2015, trying to clear his name. He even tried to buy the company out of bankruptcy in 2016 but the judge shot him down.
In 2017, Gildan Activewear, a Canadian brand, scooped up American Apparel. The stores vanished but you can still find those plain basics online.
Charney didn’t stop making clothes either. He launched Los Angeles Apparel in 2016. He went right back to his old playbook — local factories, sweatshop-free slogans, and basics with an edge.
Where Is He Now?
Charney’s new brand is still kicking. Los Angeles Apparel is growing. They just teased a new store opening in Soho, New York. He’s also tied himself to Kanye West’s Yeezy brand, helping make pieces for Kanye’s line.
As for his private life, Charney keeps it quiet now. No flashy red carpets. He posts photos of Los Angeles, random street shots, and artsy snaps on Instagram. He calls it his “photographic journey” of LA.
Netflix’s doc leaves viewers with all the questions. But Charney? He’s back to making basics, posing in factories, and reminding everyone he’s not gone yet.
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