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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Class Claims Fitness Guru Jillian Michaels|Squandered Fame to Sell Snake Oil

CN) - A Superior Court class action in Los Angeles claims that fitness instructor Jillian Michaels "decided to squander her fame by lending her name to a worthless dietary supplement called 'Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Calorie Control.'" The class claims Michaels, of "The Biggest Loser" TV show fame, "sadly ... decided to exploit her fame and goodwill by collaborating with" co-defendants Thin Care International and Basic Research.

Named plaintiff Christie Christensen accuses the three defendants of false advertising, unfair competition and consumer law violations.

"Defendant Jillian Michaels developed a reputation as a credible fitness instructor by emphasizing that weight loss requires hard work and discipline," the complaint states.

"Regrettably, however, she has decided to squander her fame by lending her name to a worthless dietary supplement called 'Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Calorie Control.' Contrary to everything that Ms. Michaels has ever instructed, she and the companies peddling this product suggest it makes weight loss effortless, falsely claiming, 'Take Two Capsules Before Main Meals And You Lose Weight. That's It.'

"Ms. Michaels knows better - taking two pills before eating does not miraculously cause weight loss. Plaintiff brings this lawsuit to enjoin these ongoing deceptions."

Thin Care and Basic Research are both based in Utah.

Christensen says Michaels "has been most prominently associated with the 'Biggest Loser' reality TV show, which features morbidly obese contestants and depicts their efforts, under Michaels's supervision, to lost substantial amounts of weight."

"Sadly, Michaels has decided to exploit her fame and goodwill by collaborating with Thin Care and Basic Research," the complaint states.

The class seeks an injunction and more than $5 million in damages. It is represented by Melissa Harnett with Wasserman, Comden & Casselman.

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