Overview
- Somerhalder, in a Tuesday E! News interview at the Beverage Forum, said an unnamed clean‑energy venture and large personal guarantees to a bank triggered the collapse.
- He said the couple repaid the money by selling houses, cars, paintings and watches as Reed led talks with creditors.
- Somerhalder said he left acting seven years ago and now focuses on businesses including Brothers Bond Bourbon and The Absorption Company.
- He has described the toll of the debt period, citing weekly international travel to cover six‑figure bank payments and four hospitalizations in two years.
- He has not named the company or offered independent documentation, and outlets are reporting his account, which highlights the risks of personal guarantees in private deals.