Share this @internewscast.com

Country star Luke Combs issued a public apology to a Florida woman ordered to pay $250,000 for using his likeness on fan merchandise she sold online — and the “Fast Car” singer promised to pay her back double the money that was frozen in the legal action.

Nicol Harness, of Pinellas County, has congestive heart failure and makes her living by selling tumblers and t-shirts on Amazon, she told NBC affiliate WFLA of Tampa.

A big fan of Combs, she sold 18 tumblers on her online shop, making just $380 from those sales.

She had no idea she was sued by Combs in October in a copyright infringement case filed in Illinois federal court against her and a slew of other online shops. Harness told WFLA the email notice of the suit went to her spam folder.

The case closed on Nov. 15, when a judge found she was liable for federal trademark infringement and counterfeiting. She was banned from using his trademarks and ordered to pay statutory damages of $250,000.

Harness said that’s money she doesn’t have.

“It’s very stressful. I don’t have money to pay my bills. I just want this resolved. I didn’t mean any harm to Luke Combs. I quit selling the tumbler. I pulled it down. I just don’t understand,” she told WFLA in an interview that published Tuesday.

One day after Harness’ interview went live, Combs took to social media to apologize to her, saying he felt “sick to my stomach”.

“I woke up at 5 a.m. to use the restroom and the first thing I saw is this: a woman that’s being sued by me for $250,000. I spent the last two hours trying to make this right, trying to figure out what’s going on because I was completely and utterly unaware of this,” he said in a video on Instagram.

“So, we do have a company that goes after folks, only supposedly large corporations operating internationally, that make millions and millions of dollars making counterfeit t-shirts, things of that nature, running illegal businesses,” the singer explained. “And apparently this woman, Nicol, has somehow got wrapped up in that.”

Combs said he spoke to Harness on Wednesday morning.

“She told me she was absolutely shocked by this. I’m so apologetic. Talking to her, it makes me sick honestly that this would happen, especially at the holidays,” he said.

Combs said Harness told him she had $5,500 locked in her Amazon account. Under the judge’s ruling, the online shop accounts’ money would frozen and go towards the $250,000 they were ordered to pay Combs.

“I’m gonna double that send her $11,000 today just so she doesn’t have anything to worry about,” Combs said. “She was never supposed to be involved in anything like this. No fan should be involved in anything like this.”

He also said he would make a tumbler to be sold on his official merchandise website and proceeds will go to “Nicol and her family to try to help with her medical bills.”

“I invited Nicol and her family out to a show this year so I can give her a hug and say sorry in person,” he said to his fans. “And yeah, I love you guys. I just wanted to clear that up because it makes me sick for anybody to be thinking I’m this kind of person.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Brute on FBI’s ‘most wanted’ list for tossing cinderblock during anti-ICE riots finally busted at border

Fugitive on FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ List for Cinderblock Incident During Anti-ICE Protests Finally Caught at Border

The masked individual accused of throwing concrete blocks at federal agents during…
Zelenskyy forced to rethink anti-corruption law after public backlash

Zelenskyy Reconsiders Anti-Corruption Law Amid Public Outcry

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is poised to propose new legislation to reinstate…
What's happening in the Ksoo trial on Day 2

Updates from Day 2 of the Ksoo Trial

Hakeem Robinson, a Jacksonville rapper known as Ksoo, is on trial for…
Columbia University Bends the Knee, Agrees to Stunning Settlement With Trump Administration

Columbia University Concedes, Reaches Notable Agreement with Trump Administration

Money talks, and Columbia University finally admitted that on Wednesday, after a…
Diver exploring an underwater shipwreck site.

Ancient Shipwreck with ‘World’s Oldest Computer’ Linked to Indiana Jones Finally Recovered After 2,000 Years

THE mystery deepens around the famous shipwreck that held the 2,000-year-old relic…
Bryan Kohberger transferred to maximum security state prison

Bryan Kohberger Moved to High-Security State Facility

BOISE, Idaho – Bryan Kohberger will spend the rest of his life…
Newly released documents reveal Idaho killer's disturbing behavior before campus murders

Recently Released Documents Expose Disturbing Actions of Idaho Killer Prior to Campus Murders

University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, also 20,…
Ksoo's trial begins with debate over video dashcam

Ksoo’s Court Case Starts with Discussion on Dashcam Footage

Ksoo, who is heavy-set and at least 6′ tall, stood for the…
Large fire burning intensely.

Two Die in Blazes on Cyprus, 10 More Perish in Turkey Amid Spreading Wildfires

TWO people were burnt alive in a vehicle while trying to flee…
Ohio officer dies after shooter lying in wait ambushed police who parked to eat lunch

Ohio Officer Killed in Ambush by Shooter While Taking Lunch Break

LORAIN, Ohio (AP) — An officer in Ohio has lost his life…
Group of students taking a selfie in London

British locals request that American tourists discontinue an ‘irritating’ travel habit that adds an extra layer of difficulty.

BRITS are begging American tourists to stop an annoying travel trend that…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he will not ask for property tax increase in budget, working to 'find progressive revenue'

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Commits to No Property Tax Increase in Budget, Seeks ‘Progressive Revenue’ Solutions

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed concerns on Thursday about potential…