While Lisa Vanderpump gears up for a major reboot of Vanderpump Rules and the upcoming launch of her flashy Vanderpump Hotel in Las Vegas, a long-standing legal storm behind the scenes has finally settled.
She and her husband, Ken Todd, have officially ended a nearly five-year legal battle with former employees from their now-closed West Hollywood hotspot, Pump.
And while the cameras may be rolling again, the courtroom chapter wrapped up quietly — but not without a hefty price tag.
Vanderpump and Todd Ordered to Pay Nearly Half a Million in Employee Lawsuit
According to court documents filed in Los Angeles, a judge approved a $490,000 settlement agreement at the end of April.
The deal puts to rest a class action lawsuit brought by Ernest R. Bennick, a former Pump server who accused Vanderpump, Todd, and their business Pump LLC of multiple labor violations.
Bennick originally filed the lawsuit back in 2020, claiming the restaurant failed to pay minimum wage, overtime, proper meal breaks, and final wages.
Despite denying all allegations, Vanderpump and Todd ultimately agreed to the settlement terms, though it wasn’t an easy road.
Former Employee Speaks Out on Fighting for Fair Treatment
Bennick, who worked at Pump from 2018 to 2019, took a leadership role in the suit and shared that he launched the case to stand up not just for himself but for others who faced similar issues.
In his own words, he wanted to “end what I believe are illegal practices” at the restaurant.
According to filings, he felt many current employees feared speaking out due to possible retaliation.
“My goal wasn’t just money—it was to change things for the better,” Bennick said in a declaration.
How the Settlement Was Divided
Although the total settlement was $490,000, the actual amount paid to plaintiffs was a bit over $252,000 after deductions for legal fees, court costs, and administrative expenses.
The rest of the funds went toward attorneys’ fees, class administration costs,
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