Jillian Michaels Sued Over Diet Pills
Jillian Michaels Sued Over Diet Pills; Star of “Biggest Loser,” Celebrity Trainer, Defends Product
(JillianMichaels.com) LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP):
Jillian Michaels, the celebrity trainer who stars in tv’s “The Biggest Loser,” is known to put the pressure on during the hit NBC reality show. But now it’s Michaels who is feeling heat – not in the gym, but in court over allegations of boug diet pills.
The hard-charging Michaels is being sued by two women for false advertising over a diet supplement she endorses.
Christie Christensen’s of Lake Elsinore, Calif. claims she bought a product called “Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Calorie Control” last month, and that it has failed to lessen her appetite or cause her to lose weight as advertised. A second woman filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Michaels over the same product on Thursday.
Michaels fired back, calling the claims “baseless” and saying she still supports the product.
“My reputation and credibility are of the utmost importance to me,” Michaels said in a statement to The Associated Press.
Michaels’ picture and endorsement appear on the packaging, touting her as “America’s Toughest Trainer.” The product and a Web site ad include the claim, “Two Capsules Before Main Meals and You Lose Weight … That’s It!”
Michaels endorses several products made and marketed by Utah-based ThinCare International, which was also named in the lawsuit.
“I stand behind all my products and remain committed to helping people achieve their health and wellness goals,” Michaels’ statement said.
ThinCare said in a statement Wednesday that Michaels’ “Calorie Control” product underwent rigorous testing and carries a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Christensen’s attorney, Melissa Harnett, defended the lawsuit.
“We believe the weight of the evidence, no pun intended, will clearly establish that Ms. Michaels and the other defendants violated consumer protection laws,” she said in a statement.
