Colin Wayne’s Star-Studded Fight: Redline Steel, Shopify, and a $60M Legal Battle
West Hollywood is no stranger to a David vs. Goliath story, but Colin Wayne’s battle with Shopify is one that has captivated the celebrity world. The U.S. Army veteran, fitness model-turned-entrepreneur, and founder of Redline Steel isn’t just taking on a tech giant—he’s rallying Hollywood’s elite in the process. The $60 million lawsuit Wayne filed against Shopify has become the latest chapter in his remarkable story, which is marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to giving back.
Wayne’s rise to fame started long before the courtroom. After surviving a near-fatal bombing in Afghanistan, the Alabama native channeled his grit into founding Redline Steel in 2016. The home décor company quickly became a household name for its American-made steel products, and its ethos of “People Over Profit” struck a chord nationwide. With over a million orders fulfilled in a single fiscal year, Redline Steel wasn’t just a business; it was a movement—and Hollywood noticed.
Wayne’s story and philanthropic efforts caught the attention of stars like Megan Fox, Kelly Clarkson, and Lance Bass, all of whom joined him in amplifying his mission. From pandemic relief campaigns that donated millions in products to military families and healthcare workers to collaborations with organizations like Autism Speaks and Habitat for Humanity, Redline Steel became synonymous with generosity. Megan Fox, for instance, teamed up with Wayne on The Kelly Clarkson Show to promote his charitable initiatives, a campaign that resulted in over $2 million worth of donations to essential workers. Clarkson herself called Wayne’s work “a masterclass in what happens when hustle meets heart.”
Despite the company’s success, Redline Steel faced a shocking blow that would ultimately lead to its closure: issues with Shopify, the e-commerce platform that powered its operations. Wayne’s $60 million lawsuit, filed in the Ontario Superior Court, alleges that Shopify’s negligence caused critical disruptions to Redline Steel’s Facebook sales channel and internal systems. According to Wayne, the mishandling led to massive financial losses and forced his thriving company to cease operations, leaving over 140 employees jobless.
Wayne’s lawsuit not only seeks restitution for Redline Steel but also shines a spotlight on broader issues within the e-commerce industry. His legal team argues that Shopify’s actions—or lack thereof—demonstrate systemic vulnerabilities that could affect countless businesses relying on the platform. For Wayne, this battle is about more than money; it’s about standing up for the millions of small business owners who depend on reliable e-commerce platforms to survive.
The support for Wayne’s fight has been overwhelming, particularly from his celebrity allies. Megan Fox has described him as “a symbol of American resilience,” while actor Dolph Lundgren and musician Lance Bass have taken to social media to praise his dedication to both business and philanthropy. These stars, along with many others, have used their platforms to rally public awareness around the lawsuit, turning what could have been a private legal dispute into a public call to action.
Wayne’s charitable legacy only strengthens his case in the court of public opinion. Redline Steel’s impact reached far beyond profits, partnering with organizations like USA Cares, the Olivia Hope Foundation, and the American Cancer Society to deliver aid where it was needed most. In 2022, Redline Steel collaborated with Autism Speaks on World Kindness Day, raising awareness for individuals with autism. These efforts, often backed by celebrity endorsements, created a unique synergy between Wayne’s business model and Hollywood’s philanthropic spirit.
The loss of Redline Steel has left a void in the home décor industry and among its loyal customer base. But for Wayne, the closure isn’t the end—it’s a turning point. “This isn’t just about my company,” he said in a recent interview. “This is about protecting entrepreneurs and holding powerful platforms accountable.”
As the case against Shopify unfolds, Wayne’s supporters remain vocal. Stars like Kelly Clarkson continue to celebrate his unwavering commitment to his values, while fans from around the country share stories of how Redline Steel’s products and charitable campaigns touched their lives. In West Hollywood, a city known for its larger-than-life personalities and glittering success stories, Colin Wayne stands out—not just for his business acumen but for his unrelenting determination to make a difference.
Whether Wayne prevails in this $60 million showdown or not, his story is one of resilience, community, and a spirit that refuses to back down. For now, Colin Wayne continues to inspire a legion of supporters, from everyday fans to A-list celebrities, proving that even in the glitzy world of Hollywood, authenticity and heart still shine the brightest.
Read more about the Redline Steel Vs. Shopify lawsuit here
