Shelby Sapp’s $10M Lawsuit Still Active—What the Court Has (and Hasn’t) Decided (Dec. 2025)
The lawsuit against Shelby Haas-Sapp (also known as Shelby Sapp) remains open in Miami-Dade Circuit Court as of December 2025, with her former business partner Gueorgui Stoitzev seeking over $10 million in damages. Filed on September 12, 2024 (Case No. 2024-017537-CA-01), the lawsuit alleges Shelby breached a 50/50 partnership agreement by secretly forming a competing company, She Sells Remote, which generated over $1 million in its first webinar. Judge Robert T. Watson denied Shelby’s motion to dismiss on January 24, 2025. Multiple amended complaints and discovery motions were filed throughout 2025, with the case remaining active as of December 21, 2025.
What Is the Shelby Sapp Lawsuit About?
On September 12, 2024, Gueorgui Stoitzev (referred to in court documents as “George”) and Girl Sales Boss LLC filed a six-count complaint in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida against Shelby Haas-Sapp, She Sells Academy LLC, and Blake Rocha.
The Core Allegations
Stoitzev claims he and Shelby formed a 50/50 partnership to create an online coaching business targeting women seeking remote sales careers. According to the complaint, Stoitzev developed the business concept, handled administration and operations, while Shelby leveraged her social media following (nearly 900,000 Instagram followers and 500,000 TikTok followers) to attract clients.
The Alleged Betrayal:
On August 18, 2024, Shelby allegedly called Stoitzev to terminate their partnership. Within 30 hours—on August 19, 2024—she launched a competing company called “She Sells Remote” with Blake Rocha, who allegedly offered Shelby 65% ownership plus no profit-sharing up to $150,000 per month.
The first She Sells Remote webinar attracted 30,000 participants and generated over $1 million in sales, according to the lawsuit. Stoitzev claims he is entitled to 50% of these revenues based on their partnership agreement.
The Six Legal Claims
Count I: Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Stoitzev alleges Shelby violated her fiduciary duties as a business partner by:
- Secretly planning a competing business while still partners
- Failing to disclose Blake Rocha’s competing offer
- Using confidential business information to launch She Sells Remote
- Diverting business opportunities that belonged to their partnership
Count II: Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
The complaint alleges Shelby misappropriated trade secrets under Florida’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act, including:
- Customer lists and contact information
- Business strategies and sales methodologies
- Proprietary training materials and content
- Marketing strategies developed during their partnership
Count III: Breach of Oral Contract
Stoitzev claims he and Shelby had an oral partnership agreement for 50/50 ownership and profit-sharing, which Shelby breached by:
- Terminating the partnership without notice
- Forming a competing entity
- Refusing to share profits from She Sells Remote
Count IV: Unjust Enrichment
The lawsuit claims Shelby was unjustly enriched by taking the business model, customer base, and intellectual property Stoitzev helped develop and using them for her personal gain through She Sells Remote.
Count V: Promissory Estoppel
Stoitzev alleges he relied on Shelby’s promises of equal partnership to his detriment, investing time, money, and effort into building the business.
Count VI: Tortious Interference
The complaint alleges Shelby and Blake Rocha intentionally interfered with existing business relationships and contracts between Stoitzev and clients.
Most Recent December 2025 Status
As of December 21, 2025, the case remains open and actively litigated in Miami-Dade Circuit Court before Judge Robert T. Watson.
Key Timeline of Court Activity
September 12, 2024: Original complaint filed by Gueorgui Stoitzev and Girl Sales Boss LLC
October 2024: Defendants (Shelby and She Sells Academy) filed motion for extension of time to respond
November 2024: Defendants filed motion to dismiss the complaint
December 2024: Stoitzev filed emergency motion for injunctive relief to prevent further business interference
January 24, 2025: Judge Watson denied Shelby’s motion to dismiss, allowing the case to proceed
January 30, 2025: Defendants filed renewed motion to dismiss the amended complaint
February 2025: Plaintiffs filed amended complaint with additional allegations
February-March 2025: Discovery disputes emerged, with multiple motions filed:
- Motion to stay discovery (by defendants)
- Motion to compel discovery responses (by plaintiffs)
- Response in opposition to motion to stay discovery
May 7, 2025: Last recorded update in online court records
December 2025: Case remains open with status listed as “Active”
What the January 24, 2025 Court Ruling Means
Judge Watson’s January 24, 2025 order denying the defendants’ motion to dismiss is significant because it means:
The Court Found Sufficient Evidence: The judge determined Stoitzev presented enough factual allegations to proceed with claims for breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, and breach of oral contract.
Partnership Claims Survive: Despite Shelby’s argument that no formal partnership existed, the court found the oral partnership agreement allegations were sufficient to withstand dismissal.
Case Proceeds to Discovery: The denial means the parties must now engage in full discovery, including depositions, document production, and interrogatories.
Higher Litigation Costs: Both sides will incur significant legal expenses as the case moves toward potential trial.
Who Are the Parties Involved?
Plaintiffs
Gueorgui Stoitzev: Shelby’s alleged former 50/50 business partner who claims he conceptualized and co-built the original She Sells business model. According to TikTok discussions, he met Shelby when she moved to Miami before she started her social media presence and helped her build the business from the ground up.
Girl Sales Boss LLC: The original company allegedly formed by Stoitzev and Shelby under their 50/50 partnership agreement.
Legal Representation:
- Joseph A. DeMaria
- M. Gabriela Palacios, Esq. (The Law Professionals, Coral Gables, FL)
Defendants
Shelby Haas-Sapp (also known as Shelby Sapp): Social media influencer and founder of She Sells Academy, promoting herself as the “#1 female sales trainer.” She sells online courses teaching women remote sales techniques, typically priced around $3,000-$4,000.
She Sells Academy LLC: Shelby’s limited liability company operating the online coaching business.
Blake Rocha: Individual who allegedly approached Shelby with the offer to form She Sells Remote with 65% ownership stake and preferential profit-sharing terms.
Legal Representation:
- Jeffrey E. Pomeranz
What Damages Are Being Sought?
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $10 million, calculated based on:
Lost Profits: 50% of revenues generated by She Sells Remote since August 2024, which Stoitzev claims should have been his share under the partnership agreement.
First Webinar Alone: With the first She Sells Remote webinar generating over $1 million in sales, Stoitzev claims he’s entitled to $500,000 from that single event.
Ongoing Revenue Losses: She Sells Academy and She Sells Remote have generated substantial ongoing revenue throughout 2024-2025, with Stoitzev claiming entitlement to half.
Punitive Damages: Additional punitive damages for intentional misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, and misappropriation of trade secrets.
Attorney Fees and Costs: Legal expenses incurred in prosecuting the lawsuit.
Injunctive Relief: Stoitzev also seeks court orders to:
- Prevent Shelby from using misappropriated trade secrets
- Stop interference with his business relationships
- Require an accounting of all She Sells revenues
- Impose a constructive trust on disputed assets
Shelby Sapp’s Defense Strategy
Main Defense Arguments
No Formal Partnership Existed: Shelby’s primary defense is that she and Stoitzev never formalized a 50/50 partnership agreement in writing. Her attorneys argue that without a written partnership agreement, Stoitzev cannot prove the existence of a binding partnership.
Independent Business: Shelby claims She Sells Remote is a separate, independent business that does not infringe on any alleged partnership with Stoitzev.
Statute of Frauds: Shelby may argue that an oral partnership agreement worth millions of dollars is unenforceable under Florida’s Statute of Frauds, which requires certain contracts to be in writing.
No Trade Secrets: Defendants claim the business methods and sales training techniques are not trade secrets but rather general knowledge available in the marketplace.
Shelby’s Public Statements
In a TikTok video, Shelby addressed the lawsuit indirectly, stating she didn’t want to “revisit a horrible time in my life in depth” and provided only a “zoomed out version” of the lawsuit. She described it as a learning experience from her 20s and emphasized trusting your gut feelings.
Shelby has not issued detailed public statements about the specific allegations, likely on advice of counsel during active litigation.
Who Is Affected by This Lawsuit?
Current and Former She Sells Academy Students
Students who paid $3,000-$4,000 for She Sells Academy or She Sells Remote courses may be concerned about:
- Whether the programs are legitimate or part of a disputed business
- If the training materials were properly owned by Shelby
- Whether they’ll continue receiving support if the lawsuit impacts operations
- The reputational impact on their resumes listing She Sells training
Business Partners and Affiliates
Individuals or companies who partnered with Shelby for affiliate marketing, joint ventures, or business collaborations may face uncertainty about:
- The validity of their agreements
- Whether Shelby has the authority to enter contracts
- Potential liability if the court finds partnership assets were misused
Social Media Followers and Community
Shelby’s nearly 1.4 million combined social media followers face questions about:
- The authenticity of her business success story
- Whether her advice and guidance can be trusted
- The ethical implications of how she allegedly treated her business partner
Public Reaction and Controversy
Mixed Reviews of She Sells Academy
Supporters: Many She Sells graduates praise Shelby as a mentor who helped them land high-paying remote sales jobs, change careers, and achieve financial independence. Positive testimonials appear on Trustpilot and social media.
Critics: Others call the $3,000-$4,000 program overpriced, claiming the content isn’t unique and can be found elsewhere for free or cheaper. Some reviews on forums like Reddit question whether the program delivers on its promises.
Disputed Reviews: Allegations surfaced in September 2025 that negative reviews disappeared from forums, raising transparency concerns.
The Lawsuit’s Impact on Her Reputation
The lawsuit has divided opinion:
“Inspiring Businesswoman” vs. “Profiting from Borrowed Ideas”: Supporters see Shelby as a successful female entrepreneur. Critics view her as someone who allegedly stole her business partner’s concepts and betrayed his trust for personal gain.
The $10 Million Question: If Stoitzev prevails, it could financially devastate She Sells Academy and fundamentally alter Shelby’s business operations.
Similar Cases Involving Influencer Business Disputes
Relevant Legal Precedents
Oral Partnership Agreements: Florida courts have upheld oral partnership agreements when sufficient evidence demonstrates the parties’ intent to form a partnership, equal profit-sharing, and joint control. However, these cases are highly fact-dependent.
Misappropriation of Business Ideas: Former business partners have successfully sued when they can prove:
- A confidential relationship existed
- Trade secrets or proprietary information was shared
- The defendant used this information for competitive advantage
- The plaintiff suffered damages
Fiduciary Duty Between Partners: Florida law imposes strict fiduciary duties on business partners, requiring utmost good faith, loyalty, and fair dealing. Secretly forming a competing business typically constitutes a breach.
What Should Affected Parties Do?
For She Sells Academy Students or Customers
Document Your Experience: Keep all receipts, course materials, communications with She Sells, and records of promised vs. delivered benefits.
Monitor the Case: Stay informed about the lawsuit’s outcome, as it may impact course availability, support, or refund eligibility.
Evaluate Alternative Training: Consider whether to continue relying on She Sells programs or seek alternative sales training from uncontested sources.
Join Class Action If Applicable: If the lawsuit reveals consumer fraud or misrepresentation, students may have grounds for their own claims or class action participation.
For Business Partners or Affiliates
Review Contracts: Examine all agreements with Shelby or She Sells Academy to understand your rights and obligations.
Consult Legal Counsel: If you have financial exposure or contractual disputes arising from the lawsuit, speak with a business attorney.
Preserve Documentation: Keep all contracts, communications, and financial records related to your business relationship with Shelby.
Assess Risk: Evaluate whether to continue business relationships with She Sells entities given the ongoing litigation.
For Potential Future Students
Research Thoroughly: Investigate the lawsuit details, read diverse reviews, and consider alternative sales training programs before paying $3,000-$4,000.
Wait for Resolution: Consider waiting until the lawsuit is resolved before enrolling, as the outcome may reveal important information about the program’s legitimacy and ownership.
Verify Claims: Independently verify any income or success claims made by She Sells Academy.
What This Means for Influencer Accountability
Broader Implications
Written Agreements Are Essential: The lawsuit highlights the importance of formalizing business partnerships in writing, even between trusted collaborators.
Fiduciary Duties Matter: Influencers who form business partnerships cannot simply walk away to form competing businesses without consequences.
Social Media Success ≠ Business Ethics: Large followings don’t insulate influencers from legal accountability for alleged business misconduct.
Transparency in Online Course Industry: The case adds to growing scrutiny of high-priced online course businesses and their business practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of the Shelby Sapp lawsuit as of December 2025?
The case remains open and actively litigated in Miami-Dade Circuit Court (Case No. 2024-017537-CA-01). Judge Watson denied Shelby’s motion to dismiss on January 24, 2025, allowing the case to proceed through discovery toward potential trial.
Q: How much money is Gueorgui Stoitzev seeking in the lawsuit?
Stoitzev seeks over $10 million in damages, representing his claimed 50% share of She Sells Remote revenues, plus punitive damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief.
Q: What are the main allegations against Shelby Sapp?
The lawsuit alleges Shelby breached a 50/50 partnership agreement by secretly forming a competing company (She Sells Remote) with Blake Rocha, misappropriating trade secrets, and violating her fiduciary duties as a business partner.
Q: Did Judge Watson rule on the motion to dismiss?
Yes. On January 24, 2025, Judge Robert T. Watson denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss, finding sufficient evidence to allow the claims to proceed.
Q: Is She Sells Academy the same as She Sells Remote?
No. She Sells Academy LLC is the original entity named in the lawsuit. She Sells Remote is the allegedly competing company Shelby formed with Blake Rocha in August 2024.
Q: Has Shelby Sapp responded publicly to the allegations?
Shelby addressed the lawsuit briefly on TikTok, calling it a “horrible time” she doesn’t want to revisit in depth. She characterized it as a learning experience and advised trusting your gut feelings. She has not issued detailed public statements about the specific allegations.
Q: Can I still enroll in She Sells Academy programs during the lawsuit?
She Sells Academy continues operating during the litigation. However, potential students should research the lawsuit details and consider whether the ongoing legal uncertainty affects their decision to enroll.
Q: What happens if Stoitzev wins the lawsuit?
If Stoitzev prevails, Shelby could be ordered to pay over $10 million in damages, potentially requiring liquidation of business assets, profit-sharing arrangements, or even dissolution of She Sells entities. The outcome could financially devastate her business.
Q: When will the case be resolved?
No trial date has been publicly announced as of December 2025. Complex business litigation typically takes 1-3 years from filing to resolution, meaning a final outcome may not occur until late 2025 or 2026.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about ongoing litigation. It does not constitute legal advice. The allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court. All parties are presumed innocent until legal proceedings conclude. For legal questions, consult an attorney.
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Case Information:
- Case Number: 2024-017537-CA-01
- Court: Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County, Florida
- Judge: Robert T. Watson
- Status: Open/Active
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.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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