Savannah James, wife of NBA star LeBron James, has shared an account of being denied service at a Hermès store in Italy, despite having a confirmed appointment. James, an entrepreneur, recounted the incident on the podcast "Question Everything" with host Danielle Robay.
She was accompanied by her friend and business partner, April McDaniel, during the alleged event. McDaniel described the store employees as treating them "like s**t." Following a complaint to higher management, McDaniel stated that the store was temporarily closed and the saleswoman involved was fired. James corroborated this, adding that they had an appointment and the staff appeared to deny its existence.
McDaniel described confronting the saleswoman, saying, "We’ll be back for you. I’ll be right back." She further stated, "The whole store is closing down. We're bringing out [crocodile leather] and everything." She joked about the situation, "You want some smoke? You done caught one. I am crazy like that." Following the resolution, McDaniel shared they were in a private room with champagne and macarons, and that the store brought out a wide selection of merchandise. "I said I’ll take bathing suits, I’m buying silverware," McDaniel recalled. "I was living my best life."
The incident occurred as Savannah James's husband, LeBron James, recently signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, after playing for the Los Angeles Lakers for eight seasons. The athlete stated he considered retirement but felt he still had "more to give."
Savannah James also offered advice to other partners of athletes, emphasizing self-care and authenticity. "Pay attention to yourself as much as you're paying attention to your partner," she advised. "Don't lose yourself in the babies, if they come. Don't lose yourself in the facade of what all of this looks like. Try to stay grounded, try to stay authentic to who you are, and what this connection was from the very beginning."