Chris Wirth, heir to a political legacy and founder of the upscale jigsaw company Liberty Puzzles, is locked in a legal battle with his ex-wife, Sage, over her alleged meddling in his business and her stake in the company. Since their 2022 divorce, Wirth has paid Sage $3.17 million from the profits of Liberty Puzzles, according to court documents. Over the same period, Wirth and his business partner each earned $6.3 million.
Sage Wirth has sued Chris, claiming she has been underpaid for her contributions and that the two men have engaged in a "dirty tricks campaign" to undermine her ownership. She is seeking to formalize her 20 percent stake in Liberty Puzzles, which she argues should include voting rights and managerial control. Chris Wirth, however, contends that Sage is meddling in the business he founded in 2005, which has generated over $200 million in revenue and $50 million in profits.
The couple, who were married in 2000 and have three sons, separated in early 2022. Sage Wirth's lawsuit alleges the split followed her discovery of Chris's alleged affair with the sister-in-law of his business partner, John Eldridge. Chris Wirth's response does not address the infidelity claim but instead focuses on Sage's alleged interference.
Liberty Puzzles, known for its high-end wooden jigsaws retailing from $100 to $400, saw significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the divorce, Chris Wirth held 60 percent of the business, with Eldridge owning 40 percent. As part of their divorce settlement, Chris transferred 20 percent of the company to Sage, leaving him with a 40 percent stake.
Disagreements have surfaced over business decisions, notably Sage's opposition to opening a second Liberty Puzzles store at Denver International Airport. Chris Wirth alleges Sage's objections, which she stated in an email were not beneficial to her, prevented the expansion, despite projections of significant revenue increases. He also accused her of blocking a worker's promotion and pay raise, stating in an email that she was acting as a "20% minority owner with minimal business experience tail wagging the dog."
Chris and Eldridge, in their legal response, deny Sage's allegations and claim she has fostered an "environment of sustained disruption" and "attempted to take on more responsibility, she alienated our long-standing employees and undermined the company culture."
They assert that Sage's lawsuit is an attempt to gain leverage and transform her "undisputed, fully honored, minority economic interest into voting and managerial control." Sage's lawsuit also seeks to have Liberty Puzzles placed into receivership, a request Chris and Eldridge oppose, asserting the business is "flourishing."
Attorneys for Chris Wirth and Eldridge stated that they deny Ms. Wirth's allegations and believe the lawsuit is without merit, aiming to obtain rights she never held. Attorneys for Sage Wirth did not respond to requests for comment.