Noa Kirel Sues Cosmetics Firm for $460,000 Over Product Line Dispute

Singer Noa Kirel has filed a lawsuit against Bar Zehava Cosmetics, seeking at least 1.7 million shekels (approximately $460,000) she claims she is owed from a partnership that launched a line of hair care products bearing her name.

The business venture, initiated about three years ago, involved Kirel licensing her name, image, and likeness for the production and marketing of beauty products and merchandise. According to the lawsuit, Bar Zehava Cosmetics agreed to pay Kirel 10% of product sales or a predetermined annual minimum. Kirel's suit alleges the company has only paid approximately 2 million shekels to date, falling short of the expected 3.5 million shekels between 2023 and 2026, with payments allegedly reduced unilaterally for 2025 and halted entirely for 2026.

Kirel, along with her agent Roberto Ben Shoshan, asserts the outstanding debt is at least 1.7 million shekels. She is also requesting a court injunction to prevent the company from continuing to market products under her name and image until the debt is settled. Kirel's agreement stipulated her involvement in promoting the brand through content creation, public relations events, and up to four photo shoots annually.

Bar Zehava Cosmetics, however, presents a contrasting narrative. In response to a legal notice, the company claims Kirel breached the agreement by failing to fulfill her promotional and marketing obligations. They argue this led to the products becoming unsellable and caused significant damages, including lost profits and investment in specialized production equipment. The company also alleges that major pharmacy chains refused to stock the products due to a lack of promotion from Kirel.

The cosmetics firm is not only refusing to pay Kirel further but is also demanding the return of approximately 2 million shekels already paid, along with compensation for damages. Bar Zehava Cosmetics contends Kirel filed her lawsuit preemptively after learning of their intent to take legal action and accuses her of violating the agreement by not pursuing mediation first. The company stated it is preparing a defense and a counterclaim.

The dispute centers on a collaboration launched in February 2024, which involved an investment of around 3.5 million shekels. The product line included shampoos, masks, serums, and hair perfumes, sold exclusively at Super-Pharm. The launch occurred amid heightened media attention, partly due to a perceived rivalry with another singer, Anna Zak, who also launched a hair product line around the same time.