Mossimo founder charged in college acceptance scandal

Mossimo Giannulli, founder of mid-range American clothing company
Mossimo, is amongst those charged in a recent scandal involving
fraudulent acceptances into Ivy League universities. Over 40 parents
to college-bound students have been charged of the alleged scheme.

Giannulli, his wife actress Lori Loughlin and “Desperate
Housewives” actress Felicity Huffman are the most well-known accused.
Along with parents, thirteen athletic coaches and some test
administrators have also been implicated.

The FBI believes that those involved with the scandal had been
paying others to take college entrance exams in place of their
children or falsely stating that the children were student athletes.
Between 2011 and 2019, William Rick Singer, CEO of California-based
college counseling company “The Key,” took at least 25 million dollars
from parents to help their children cheat the system to get into
top-name schools, according to court documents.

While students have not been charged, Giannulli, Loughlin and
Huffman have been charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and
honest services fraud.

Giannulli founded Mossimo in California in 1986. The company grew
into a multi-million dollar apparel and accessories company. The brand
has been in a multi-product licensing agreement with Target since
2000, and was acquired by Iconix Brand Group in 2006. Mossimo offers
over 15 product categories for menswear, womenswear and
childrenswear.

Mossimo is currently sold in 1,700 stores in the United States, and
holds international licenses in Australia, South America, Mexico,
Japan, Philippines and India.