Lisa Barlow Lawsuit Update, RHOSLC Star Confirms Multiple Cases Dismissed, One $410K Case Still Pending

On October 28, 2025, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow confirmed to Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live that three of the four lawsuits against her have been dismissed, clarifying they are civil matters—not criminal charges. However, one major lawsuit filed by longtime friend Bart Carlson seeking $410,842.36 in allegedly unpaid loans remains active in Utah’s 3rd District Court.

In October 2024, a judge denied Barlow’s motion to dismiss Carlson’s case, ruling that sufficient facts were pled to proceed with litigation. The lawsuit has dominated RHOSLC Season 6, where Barlow staged a dramatic “clarity lunch” using poster boards emblazoned with “DISMISSED” to address cast members’ questions about her legal troubles.

What Is the Lisa Barlow Lawsuit?

Bart Carlson and Yukon Construction filed a lawsuit in June 2024 in Utah’s 3rd District Court claiming Lisa Barlow and her companies—Vida Tequila and Luxe Marketing—have not paid back $410,842.36 in loans dating back to 2010. Carlson is president of the Park City homebuilding company and was once Barlow’s business partner and friend.

The complaint alleges that around May 2010, Barlow shared she was “experiencing severe financial difficulties” with her businesses and requested loans from Carlson to keep them afloat. The lawsuit centers on whether these transactions constituted enforceable agreements requiring repayment.

The Legal Claims Against Lisa Barlow

Breach of Contract and Loan Repayment

Carlson claims he and his company loaned Lisa Barlow and her businesses money under flexible terms due to their longtime friendship, with no specified repayment date initially agreed upon. The alleged loan breakdown includes:

• Yukon Construction: $171,836.37 loaned between May 2010 and June 2011
• Carlson personally: $87,100 loaned between September 2010 and October 2015
• American Express payments: $119,585.99 paid on card opened in Barlow’s name between 2011 and 2017
• Range Rover payment: $32,320 paid in December 2015 on Barlow’s personal vehicle loan

Secret Financial Transactions

The lawsuit alleges Carlson made some loan payments directly to third parties at Barlow’s request so her husband John Barlow would not discover that Vida Tequila lacked funds to purchase products or pay legal bills.

Text Message Evidence

When Carlson requested repayment in December 2019, Barlow allegedly responded with a text message containing the all-caps word “OVERWHELMED” and a “palm-face” emoji. The lawsuit includes text exchanges from 2019 to 2022 where Carlson asked about repayment and Barlow seemingly acknowledged the debts.

Who Are the Parties Involved?

Plaintiffs: Bart Carlson and Yukon Construction

Park City homebuilding company president who claims to have been Lisa Barlow’s longtime friend and former business partner. They co-owned The Silver Restaurant in Park City, Utah, which they sold in 2016.

Defendants: Lisa Barlow, Vida Tequila, Luxe Marketing

Lisa Barlow is a Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member known as the self-proclaimed “Queen of Sundance” who operates Vida Tequila, a liquor brand, and Luxe Marketing, a party-planning and event business. On RHOSLC, Barlow maintains an affluent entrepreneurial image, often organizing events for the Sundance Film Festival.

Court Jurisdiction and Procedural Timeline

Venue: Utah’s 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City

Key Timeline:

• May 2010: Carlson alleges Barlow first requested financial help for business difficulties
• 2010-2018: Period during which loans were allegedly provided
• December 2019: Carlson claims he first formally requested repayment
• March 2024: Carlson formally demanded full repayment
• June 20, 2024: Carlson filed lawsuit against Barlow and her companies
• August 2024: Barlow’s attorneys filed motion to dismiss
• October 7, 2024: Judge denied Barlow’s motion to dismiss
• October 2024: Barlow filed official answer denying all allegations
• September 30, 2025: Barlow addressed lawsuits on RHOSLC with poster presentation
• October 28, 2025: Barlow confirmed three lawsuits dismissed, one still pending on WWHL

Lisa Barlow’s Legal Defense

“Fanciful Tale” Argument

Barlow’s attorneys characterize Carlson’s claims as a “fanciful tale” in which he allegedly bankrolled Barlow and her companies with an open line of credit that had no terms or conditions and no repayment date. Her legal team argues no proof of any enforceable contract exists.

Statute of Limitations Defense

Barlow’s attorneys argue the statute of limitations for an oral contract in Utah is four years. Since Carlson first requested payment in December 2019, he had until December 2023 to file suit. He waited until June 20, 2024, making the suit untimely according to Barlow’s defense.

Good Faith Defense

Barlow’s answer states “all acts or omissions of Barlow were undertaken in good faith, without malice or recklessness, and were fully justified and reasonable under the circumstances”. She also argues Carlson’s claims are barred by his contributory negligence.

Public Statements

When the lawsuit was filed, Barlow stated: “To be very clear, the claim that I owe Bart or his company money is untrue. I pay my bills and obligations and I always have. Bart has no interest in Luxe Marketing or Vida Tequila and did not invest in either business. I look forward to the truth coming out and I intend to hold Bart fully accountable for any damage this personal attack may cause me or my businesses”.

Dismissed Lawsuits Against Lisa Barlow

William McGeary Case

In August 2024, Georgia financier William McGeary filed a complaint alleging the Barlows owed his family trust $400,000 for a loan to obtain raw materials for Vida Tequila. McGeary filed the lawsuit on August 13, 2024, then filed a dismissal notice just two days later on August 15, 2024.

Weber County Case

In April 2020, a Weber County man accused the Barlows and Vida Tequila of owing him $27,000. He filed a dismissal notice one month later.

Utah State Tax Commission

In 2021, the Utah State Tax Commission filed two tax lien judgments against the Barlows—one in July for $12,029.97 and another in December for $4,114.96. Both judgments were withdrawn a month after filing.

The Infamous “Clarity Lunch” on RHOSLC

On RHOSLC’s September 30, 2025 episode, Lisa Barlow invited all cast members to lunch at The Lodge at Blue Sky north of Park City. Poster boards featuring blown-up images of court documents emblazoned with “DISMISSED” in bright red font greeted cast members as they arrived. Smaller versions were printed on the menus.

Cast member Meredith Marks, who has a law degree, remarked: “In my expert legal opinion, I don’t think that these posters are what you would normally use as exhibits in the courtroom. However, they get the point across”.

Heather Gay was dismissive: “It’s like a science fair, but nobody actually did their project”.

Meredith Marks’ Legal Analysis

Meredith Marks told The Daily Dish that “allegations are not facts,” clarifying Lisa is not facing criminal charges. “I mean, look, we’re talking about a civil lawsuit, and anybody can file that. So, it doesn’t really carry very much weight, in my view. [These are] private individuals bringing these suits”.

“Borrowing money is part of doing business. It’s not an abnormal thing. Clearly, there was a disagreement over it. And, you know, people can file whatever they want to file. But these are accusations”, Meredith explained.

However, Meredith admitted she doesn’t know where the lawsuits stand today. “Now, if she loses, which I don’t foresee happening, from what I’ve been told, that’s a different story. Then, you can delve in and say, ‘Oh, she did this wrong, she did that wrong.’ But these are accusations”.

Lisa Barlow’s October 2025 Clarifications

On Watch What Happens Live on October 28, 2025, Lisa told Andy Cohen: “Yes, and I just want to clear up a few things. They’re civil lawsuits; they’re not criminal. I’ve never done anything criminal. Everyone online that keeps saying I’m going to jail is wrong”.

At the time of RHOSLC Season 6 filming, Lisa said only one of the four lawsuits was still pending and insisted that case had “absolutely no merit to it.” She told a producer: “No one in this group understands that when you’re running big business and you do really cool things, at some point, you’re going to get sued. It’s not something I’m afraid of. It’s not something I’m worried about”.

“We are lawyered up. We have more than six. We have a lawyer for everything. We cross our T’s with lawyers, we dot our I’s with lawyers. I’m still fabulous and I’m fine”, Barlow added.

Other Lawsuits Mentioned But Not Detailed

The Financial Services Corporation sued Vida Tequila and John Barlow in May 2023 for an unpaid loan of $105,954.16. If all allegations were true, this would mean Lisa and her companies face over $900,000 in claimed debts, though Lisa has consistently denied wrongdoing and emphasized she pays her bills.

Impact on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

The lawsuits have become a central Season 6 storyline. Cast members Bronwyn Newport and Angie Katsanevas raised questions about the legal matters in the season premiere, leading to tension with Lisa. Bronwyn pointed out on the show that one lawsuit remains active despite Lisa’s “DISMISSED” poster presentation.

Lisa’s absence from much of the first episode became a topic of discussion, with other cast members speculating about her legal troubles. The situation led to comparisons with former cast member Jen Shah, who was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison—though Lisa’s civil lawsuits are fundamentally different from Shah’s federal criminal case.

Common Misconceptions About the Lisa Barlow Lawsuit

Misconception #1: Lisa Barlow Is Facing Criminal Charges

Lisa has repeatedly clarified these are civil lawsuits, not criminal charges. She emphasized on WWHL: “I’ve never done anything criminal”. Many online commenters confused civil debt disputes with criminal prosecutions.

Misconception #2: All Lawsuits Have Been Dismissed

While three of four lawsuits have been dismissed, the Bart Carlson case remains active and pending in Utah courts. The dismissals of other cases don’t impact the merits of Carlson’s claims.

Misconception #3: The Poster Boards Proved Innocence

Court documents showing dismissals don’t necessarily prove the underlying allegations were false—cases can be dismissed for many reasons including settlement, procedural issues, or plaintiffs choosing not to pursue litigation.

Misconception #4: This Affects Only Lisa’s Image

The lawsuits involve actual business disputes with financial implications. If Barlow ultimately loses the Carlson case, she could face significant monetary judgments and attorney fees.

What Happens Next?

The Bart Carlson lawsuit continues through Utah’s court system. With the motion to dismiss denied, the case proceeds toward potential trial unless parties reach a settlement. Discovery continues, which may reveal additional financial records and communications between Barlow and Carlson.

Barlow demands the case be dismissed and her legal fees paid by Carlson. The court will evaluate whether Carlson can prove an enforceable contract existed, whether the statute of limitations bars his claims, and whether Barlow owes the alleged amounts.

Given the procedural posture, expect additional court filings, possible depositions, and potentially mediation attempts before any trial.

Comparison to Other Reality TV Legal Drama

Lisa’s situation differs significantly from other Real Housewives legal troubles. Unlike Erika Jayne’s involvement in her husband’s bankruptcy and fraud case on RHOBH, or Jen Shah’s wire fraud conviction on RHOSLC, Lisa faces civil contract disputes rather than criminal allegations or bankruptcy proceedings.

The cases more closely resemble typical business litigation over alleged unpaid debts—common in entrepreneurial ventures but amplified by reality TV exposure. Lisa’s public defense strategy mirrors how other Housewives have used the show platform to control their narrative during legal challenges.

FAQs About the Lisa Barlow Lawsuit

What is the current status of the Lisa Barlow lawsuit?

As of late 2025, the Bart Carlson lawsuit seeking $410,842.36 in allegedly unpaid loans remains pending in Utah’s 3rd District Court. Three other lawsuits against Barlow have been dismissed.

What are the specific legal claims in the case?

Carlson alleges breach of contract and loan repayment obligations, claiming he and his company provided flexible-term loans to Barlow and her businesses from 2010 to 2018 that have not been repaid.

Are these criminal or civil lawsuits?

These are civil lawsuits. Lisa Barlow has repeatedly emphasized she has never been charged with any crime and is not facing criminal prosecution.

Who is Bart Carlson?

Bart Carlson is president of Yukon Construction, a Park City homebuilding company. He was once Lisa Barlow’s friend and business partner. They co-owned The Silver Restaurant in Park City, Utah, selling it in 2016.

Why did the judge deny Lisa’s motion to dismiss?

The judge ruled that Carlson had pled sufficient facts to withstand dismissal, meaning the allegations, if proven, could support his claims. This doesn’t mean Carlson will ultimately win, but the case proceeds past preliminary challenges.

What businesses are involved in the lawsuit?

The lawsuit names Lisa Barlow personally, along with her companies Vida Tequila (a liquor brand) and Luxe Marketing (a party-planning and event business).

How much money is at stake?

Carlson seeks $410,842.36, broken down across loans from Yukon Construction, personal loans from Carlson, American Express payments he made on Barlow’s behalf, and payments on her Range Rover.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Lisa Barlow lawsuit status, legal claims, and implications may evolve as litigation proceeds. Consult official court records, legal databases, or a qualified attorney for specific guidance regarding the Lisa Barlow lawsuit or related litigation matters.

Meta Description: Lisa Barlow confirms three lawsuits dismissed but $410K case from friend Bart Carlson remains active in Utah court. RHOSLC star faces civil breach of contract claims.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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