Thursday, 27 August 2026 08:30 AM
Lawsuits
Gellert thanks God, his family, the jury and the American justice system following the conclusion of a difficult chapter for BLUSH
KANSAS CITY, MO / ACCESS Newswire / August 27, 2026 / BLUSH Boot Camp founder Max Gellert is expressing gratitude and renewed faith following a Jackson County, Missouri jury verdict that found in his favor on a fraud claim brought against him and a separate verdict awarding BLUSH Boot Camp Franchising Systems, LLC more than $103,000 on its breach-of-contract claim.
The final judgment was entered June 17, 2026, in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, following a jury trial that began March 2.
For Gellert, the conclusion of the case is not an occasion for celebration at someone else's expense. Instead, he says it is a moment for gratitude-to God, to his family and supporters, and to a justice system that gave both sides the opportunity to present their evidence before a jury.
"Above Everything Else, I Thank God"
"This has been one of the most difficult chapters of my professional and personal life," Gellert said.
"When allegations like fraud are attached to your name, they don't stay inside a courtroom. They affect your reputation, your business, the people who work alongside you and the people you love."
"There were moments throughout this process when I didn't know how everything would ultimately turn out. What I did know was that I had to continue telling the truth, continue moving forward and put my faith in God."
"Above everything else, I thank God. My faith has taught me that we don't always get to choose the trials placed in front of us, but we do get to choose how we walk through them. I prayed for the truth to come to light, and I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to have the evidence heard."
Faith in the Justice System
Gellert also expressed appreciation for the judicial process and the jurors who devoted their time to hearing the case.
The lawsuit proceeded to a jury trial where the parties were represented by counsel and given the opportunity to present evidence and arguments.
After hearing that evidence, 11 of the 12 jurors signed the verdict finding in favor of Gellert on the plaintiffs' fraud claim against him.
The Court subsequently entered judgment in Gellert's favor, stating that on the plaintiffs' claims against Gellert, "judgment is entered in favor of Defendant Gellert and Plaintiffs take nothing."
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for our justice system," Gellert said.
"It is easy to believe in the system when everything is going your way. It means something different when you have to place your name, your reputation and your future in the hands of 12 people who don't know you and trust that they will listen carefully to the evidence."
"That's what these jurors did. They gave everyone an opportunity to be heard. I am deeply grateful for their service and for a system where accusations can ultimately be tested against evidence."
BLUSH Prevails on Contract Claim
The trial also resulted in a verdict in favor of BLUSH Boot Camp Franchising Systems, LLC on its breach-of-contract claim against MJS Fitness & Wellness, LLC and Janine Swift.
The jury awarded BLUSH $103,342.53 in damages, and the Court entered judgment for that amount.
Gellert said the outcome is especially meaningful because the public discussion surrounding the lawsuit had focused heavily on accusations against him and BLUSH.
"There is an important difference between an allegation and a finding of fact," Gellert said.
"People may have seen allegations about me or BLUSH and formed an opinion before we ever had the opportunity to present our side to a jury. I understand how that happens. Serious accusations make serious headlines."
"But accusations aren't the end of the story. That's why we have courts. That's why we have juries. And that's why due process matters."
Gratitude Rather Than Anger
Gellert said he does not want the conclusion of the case to be defined by bitterness toward those who brought the lawsuit.
"I could walk away from this angry about what was said about me. I don't want to do that."
"I would rather walk away grateful."
"I'm grateful for my family, who stood beside me when this was difficult. I'm grateful for the people at BLUSH who continued showing up every day. I'm grateful for our members and supporters who continued believing in what we're building."
"I'm grateful to the attorneys who worked through an incredibly complicated case. I'm grateful to the judge and the jurors for taking their responsibilities seriously."
"And most importantly, I'm grateful to God for carrying me through something I could not have carried by myself."
Moving Forward
Gellert acknowledged that building and growing BLUSH has not been without challenges.
"We've made mistakes. We've had locations struggle. We've had disagreements. We've gone through growing pains that come with trying to build something ambitious."
"I've never claimed to be a perfect businessman or a perfect person. I'm not."
"But business challenges and mistakes are not the same thing as fraud."
"For a long time, allegations were part of the public record. Today, the outcome is part of that record too."
Gellert said his focus now is on the future of BLUSH and the company's mission of serving women through fitness, accountability and community.
"This chapter doesn't make me want to look backward. It makes me want to be better going forward."
"My faith has grown through this experience. My appreciation for the justice system has grown. And my gratitude for the people who stood beside me is something I will never forget."
"I believe God can use even the hardest seasons of our lives for a purpose. Today, I'm simply thankful that the truth had its day in court, thankful that justice was allowed to run its course, and ready to move forward."
About BLUSH Boot Camp
BLUSH Boot Camp is a women-focused fitness company built around structured training, accountability and community. Founded by Max Gellert, BLUSH has served women through independently operated and company-operated locations across multiple states.
Court: Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri
Case: U Can Do Hard Things, et al. v. Maxwell Gellert, et al.
Case No.: 2416-CV28960-01
Judgment Entered: June 17, 2026
Link to case: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=2416-CV28960&inputVO.courtId=CT16
[email protected]
PH: 913-398-226
SOURCE: BLUSH BOOT CAMP
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