Keith Fink

The breakup between American Apparel and Dov Charney keeps getting messier — and could get a lot more expensive, too. The struggling clothing company's controversial founder is claiming more than $40 million in damages stemming from his surprise ouster last year, even as the retailer this week disclosed a probe by securities regulators into the affair. Los Angeles lawyer Keith Fink — who, in a twist, had formerly represented American Apparel employees suing Charney for harassment — said in a letter last week that the retailer is liable for $20 million to $25 million in damages for Charney's loss of employment.