Net-A-Porter founder Dame Natalie Massene has blasted her longtime partner Erik Torstensson in court filings, saying that he is a 'sex addict' and 'drug abuser' whom she lavished millions on.
The couple had been together for 14 years, and share a son, but never married, with Torstensson regularly seen by her side at numerous high-profile events, including when she received her damehood at Buckingham Palace.
She claims her world came crashing down in May as he made an eye-opening confession to her.
In a civil case filed in California, according to the DailyMail, the now 60-year-old former head of the British Fashion Council is seeking damages for breach of contract, fraud and infliction of emotional distress.
Natalie is said to have been left 'heartbroken' after learning Erik had betrayed her for much of their relationship and claims to have 'spent more than $95m during the course of their relationship on expensive properties, lifestyle expenses, vacations, and more, based on Torstensson's promises to repay her in kind.'
Her lawyers wrote: 'While Massenet is emotionally devastated and in shock caused by Tortensson's outrageous behaviour, this is a case of a return on investment in a man who leveraged Massenet's capital and brand to build wealth, while she bore the majority of the costs.
'Massemet is demanding what any investor would - a fair, equitable return on the investments she made, value she created, and costs she carried.' Erik has not yet filed his defence submissions to court.
The drama began in 2024 when she noticed that he was drinking heavily and disappearing a lot at night.
She subsequently found a bottle of Valacyclovir, which he apparently claimed was to treat hives, but which she later learned is used to treat Herpes.
They tried counselling, but he ultimately told her that he wanted to end the relationship.
Natalie, according to filings, is said to have found racy messages and pictures on his phone, indicating that he had 'maintained multiple affairs with several younger women for years.'
It's believed Natalie even knew one of the women.
When she confronted him about it in May, she claims he confessed to being a 'liar, an alcoholic, a drug addict, a sex addict and that it had gone on for seven years.'
Her layers also claim that he regularly used cocaine, and court papers included texts apparently sent between him and a drug dealer, and that Erik hired prostitutes.
One is even said to have been hired while they celebrated their son's embryo being implanted with a surrogate. He reportedly texted another, claiming he was 'in hell.'
Erik has now been accused of using Natalie for 'social clout' and leaving her 'cash-strapped with his child' after encouraging the once thrifty fashion boss to live more extravagantly.
It's claimed they agreed that she would front their living costs, including purchasing properties and investing in Erik's businesses and in return would share in the returns from his ventures.
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