The CEO of Camping World, a national retailer of recreational vehicles with over 200 locations, is currently involved in a legal dispute due to the display of a large American flag at one of its dealerships. Municipal authorities in Greenville, North Carolina, recently voted 4-2 to proceed with legal action intended to remove the flag from the Camping World dealership there. This decision follows a similar lawsuit initiated by Sevierville, Tennessee.
Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World, expressed his determination to keep the flag displayed, stating that it would remain in place regardless of any legal challenges or potential consequences he might face. According to WITN, Lemonis acknowledged the city’s right to pursue legal action and his own right to defend against it but remained steadfast in his decision.
In Greenville, the City Council described the flag as being nearly as large as a basketball court, spanning 3,200 square feet and mounted on a 130-foot pole, significantly exceeding local zoning regulations. Additionally, Lemonis shared details on social media regarding a complaint filed by Sevierville, Tennessee, which called for the removal of a 100-foot flagpole flying a 40 by 80-foot American flag.
Lemonis declared publicly on X that the flag would not be removed and noted that fines from the Greenville local government might be accepted by him personally. The CEO emphasized that he was responsible for the installation of flags at various locations and welcomed any legal action directed at him personally rather than his business.
This conflict is not without precedent for Camping World, as the company has faced similar issues in other cities, including Statesville, North Carolina; Morgan Hill, California; and Onalaska, Wisconsin. Lemonis criticized such local regulations, suggesting they generate unnecessary challenges for the business.
Born in Lebanon and adopted by a Miami couple after being left at an orphanage, Lemonis described his upbringing around the American flag, influenced by his family’s involvement in the automotive dealership industry. Despite facing multiple requests and legal actions to remove the flag, Lemonis remains resolute in his decision.
Fox News Digital reached out to both Lemonis and the Greenville city authorities for further comments on the matter.