Bikram Choudhury Yoga Inc, the studio that
popularized doing yoga in sauna heat, has filed for U.S. Chapter 11
bankruptcy, dogged by $16.7 million in legal judgments and numerous
lawsuits and allegations of sexual misconduct.
Founder
Bikram Choudhury, who built a worldwide following with classes of 26
yoga postures in rooms heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6°C), has
been accused of sexual assault by his yoga practitioners, students,
instructors and teacher trainees.
The Simi
Valley, California-based company said in a bankruptcy court filing on
Thursday in the Central District of California that its liabilities were
worth up to $50 million. It listed assets of up to $1 million,
suggesting that its largest creditors - women who are owed money for
court judgments awarded against Choudhury - will not be paid in full.
Bikram yoga guru seeks bankruptcy in wake of harassment claims | Reuters
