Overview
- Ian Somerhalder detailed the ordeal in an E! News interview, crediting Nikki Reed for negotiating their way out after they sold houses, art, cars, and watches.
- He traced the collapse to large personal guarantees he made to banks for an unnamed clean‑energy company after leaving acting seven years ago.
- He said they spent years trying to repay what was owed, and the strain sent him to the hospital four times in two years.
- Somerhalder says they have recovered and now run consumer ventures, including Brothers Bond Bourbon with Paul Wesley and The Absorption Company co‑founded with Reed in 2024.
- He urged would‑be founders to avoid personal guarantees and noted he did not name the company, banks, or any legal actions tied to the alleged fraud.