A War Hero And His Hollywood Crusade: The $60M Shopify Lawsuit Backed by Celebrity Allies

In Hollywood, where star power often amplifies a meaningful cause, US Army Veteran and hero to many Colin Wayne’s legal fight against Shopify has become a headline-grabbing story. The veteran and founder of Redline Steel is suing the e-commerce giant for around $60 million, alleging negligence that led to the closure of his once-thriving company. But this battle isn’t just about his business—it’s the latest chapter in Wayne’s remarkable journey as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, one that has earned him widespread celebrity support for his charitable initiatives.

Wayne’s rise began after a harrowing experience in Afghanistan, where he survived a bombing that could have ended his life. Instead, it became the catalyst for reinvention. In 2016, Wayne founded Redline Steel, a company specializing in American-made steel home décor. His philosophy of “People Over Profit” quickly set Redline Steel apart, making it a favorite among both everyday customers and Hollywood elites.

Wayne’s charitable efforts became the cornerstone of his success and drew attention from a host of celebrities who admired his mission. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Redline Steel launched high-profile campaigns donating millions of dollars worth of products to healthcare workers, first responders, and military families. Stars like Megan Fox, Tori Spelling, and Ian Chen helped amplify these efforts, using their platforms to raise awareness.

Hollywood’s support extended further when Jack Black and Jeff Ross joined forces with Wayne, and actress Marisol Nichols also partnered with him on a campaign that supported the end of human trafficking here in America. Meanwhile, other popular stars like 90210 actress Shenae Grimes helped Wayne hand out free holiday gifts to those in need and spread Redline Steel’s positive message to an even broader audience.

From partnerships with organizations such as Autism Speaks, USA Cares, and the American Cancer Society, raising funds and awareness for various causes, Redline Steel has always people people over profit, which is what makes this lawsuit so sad, because it has now put a stop to the good that Redline can be doing for people nationwide.

At its height, Redline Steel employed more than 140 people and fulfilled over a million orders in a single fiscal year. But the company’s success came to a screeching halt when issues with Shopify’s platform allegedly caused massive revenue losses. In a lawsuit filed recently in the Ontario Superior Court, Wayne accuses Shopify of negligence, claiming that mismanagement of its Facebook sales channel and internal systems crippled Redline Steel’s operations, ultimately leading to its closure.

While the lawsuit focuses on the financial damages suffered by Wayne and his company, the broader implications for the e-commerce industry are hard to ignore. Redline Steel’s closure sent shockwaves through its loyal customer base, leaving many to wonder how other small businesses might be affected by similar platform vulnerabilities.

Wayne’s celebrity allies, however, remain focused on his philanthropic legacy. Their support underscores the lasting impact Wayne’s company has had on communities across the country.

Although Redline Steel’s doors have closed, Wayne’s story is far from over. The lawsuit represents a pivotal moment not just for him but for small business owners everywhere. For Wayne, the fight against Shopify is about more than justice for Redline Steel—it’s about accountability and protecting the entrepreneurial dreams of others, something even President Trump, a fan of Wayne’s, brought up when the two met years ago at the White House.

As he navigates this high-stakes legal battle, Wayne continues to inspire those around him with his determination and the support of his Hollywood allies. Whether it’s through his business ventures, his charitable work, or his latest legal fight, Colin Wayne remains a symbol of resilience, proving that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of giving and community can shine the brightest.

More on the lawsuit and the celebs mentioned can be viewed on Wayne’s site by going here.