Barbara ‘Babs’ Costello Being Sued For Not Paying Former Talent Manager

TikTok star Barbara “Babs” Costello, in any other case referred to as the “web mother/grandma you didn’t know you wanted,” is being sued by her former expertise supervisor claiming she didn’t pay them after they helped her make tons of of 1000’s of {dollars}.

Underscore Expertise Administration is looking for to implement its settlement with Costello and maintain her accountable for alleged “devious enterprise practices.”

Courtroom paperwork obtained by The Blast declare that Costello by no means held up her finish of the cut price along with her former expertise supervisor and stiffed them for what she owes. 

“At 75-years-old, Costello is the unlikely influencer, whose Brunch with Babs Instagram and TikTok accounts have attracted thousands and thousands of followers,” the courtroom doc states. “The ‘Babs’ model is constructed across the picture the candy grandmother who shares household recipes and comfortable maternal recommendation. Behind the scenes, nonetheless, Costello doesn’t hesitate to use individuals after which stab them within the again.” 

Costello acquired her begin on social media in early 2020. On March 10, 2023, Megan Brown, a supervisor at Underscore, met with Costello and Liz Ariola, Costello’s daughter who manages her enterprise affairs.

Throughout the assembly, the three mentioned Underscore offering administration providers for Costello in trade of 10% of gross receipts agreed upon. 

“Later that day, Brown despatched to Ariola a replica of Underscore’s normal consumer settlement for her evaluation and famous that the events had mentioned cost of a ten% fee fairly than the 15% in the usual settlement,” the courtroom doc reveals.

“Ariola acknowledged receipt of the settlement and indicated her need to maneuver ahead with Underscore as Costello’s supervisor, beginning with e-book agreements.” 

Just a few days after assembly with Brown, Ariola despatched her a replica of a $1.4 million publishing provide that Costello’s brokers acquired. Brown suggested Ariola that Costello shouldn’t settle for the provide and may as an alternative “store Costello’s e-book by an public sale.” 

Brown helped Costello replace the proposal for her e-book and on June 9, 2023, Clarkson Potter made a suggestion for Costello’s e-book that she accepted. 

“To be clear, Clarkson Potter’s provide was considerably higher than the provide beforehand made by DK that Costello was going to simply accept, however for Brown’s recommendation,” the courtroom doc states. “Thus, as a direct results of Brown’s recommendation, Costello made tons of of 1000’s of {dollars} that she in any other case wouldn’t have made.”

After the e-book deal closed, Brown continued to “advise and handle” Costello on behalf of Underscore. 

“However, when Underscore despatched Costello an bill on April 19, 2024, for $66,300 – the fee then owed to Underscore on the e-book deal – Costello failed and refused to pay,” in response to the courtroom doc. “And when counsel for Underscore demanded cost by a sure date, Costello refused.” 

Underscore is looking for all monies owed to them, plus “all prices of swimsuit incurred.” They’re additionally demanding a “trial by jury.” 

On April 30, Babs celebrated the fourth anniversary of posting her first video as “Brunch with Babs.”

“4 years in the past, I posted my first-ever video. And we have now been studying and rising collectively ever since,” Costello mentioned in her TikTok video.

“Over 1,000 movies later, I do know I can not consider it myself, we have now cooked, cleaned, traveled, we went besides camp collectively, we discovered the one method to clear out a pumpkin, how you can load a dishwasher correctly, we acquired weeknight meals on the desk, we have celebrated so many holidays collectively, from birthday to Christmas, and so many superb life milestones.”

She concluded her celebration video by saying she’s wanting ahead to many extra years of “Brunch with Babs.”

Many viewers dropped into the feedback to congratulate Costello and inform her how a lot they’ve loved her content material.

“You haven’t any concept how many individuals you’ve got helped or impacted within the smallest however profound of the way!” one particular person shared. One other added, “You might be such a treasure. Thanks for bringing us a lot pleasure! (And extremely helpful data to make our lives higher)!”

Just a few week in the past, Costello traveled to Las Vegas as a part of QVC’s Q50.

“I’m so honored to have been requested to be a part of the QVC Q50!!! The Q50 is a collective, comprised of fifty celebrities, activists, entrepreneurs, girls leaders, artists, and QVC hosts which are all residing their finest lives of their second (50 and older),” her Instagram caption reads.

“It was actually inspiring to listen to all of the superb accomplishments and tales of girls who’ve additionally began their second act on the age of fifty+. I’m humbled to be included on this new initiative and sit up for sharing extra with you all year long.”

Her caption continued to clarify that on the age of 75, she attended her “first enterprise convention” and walked her first “purple carpet/press line.” She additionally talked concerning the individuals she met together with Martha Stewart, Billie Jean King, and Bradley Cooper.

Just a few days after sharing her expertise in Vegas with QVC, Costello revealed that she and her husband just lately purchased a brand new residence that they’re going to be renovating and sharing the method along with her followers.

The home they bought, The Basket Home, was constructed within the 1830s and have become a Basket Store the place baskets have been woven and bought in 1850. The couple “fell in love with this residence for the wealthy historical past,” the allure, and the setting.

“We will’t wait to make this residence our personal and an area to share with all of you. Throughout our renovations, we intend to protect all of the historic components: doorways, hinges, knobs, beams, flooring planks, and different artifacts,” she shared in her caption.

“We are going to preserve all the allure however shall be enhancing the situation of the house so it could stand the check of time. It felt prefer it was meant to be and if I do say so myself, Babs Basket Home has a pleasant ring to it.”

Costello’s followers are excited for what’s to come back.

“Love love love this. It looks as if you must have your individual present on TV. You’re there Babs!” one particular person wrote within the feedback. One other added, “This home is a charmer. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!”