Trainer Jillian Michaels says false-advertising lawsuit ‘baseless,’ stands behind diet product
By Anthony Mccartney, APThursday, February 11, 2010
Jillian Michaels: Suit over diet product baseless
LOS ANGELES — Celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels fired back Thursday at a false advertising lawsuit filed against her over a diet supplement, calling the claim 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. “This baseless lawsuit is entirely without merit and is being handled by my legal team.”
Christie Christensen of Lake Elsinore, Calif., sued Michaels on Tuesday and is seeking class-action status for the claim. Michaels is a hard-charging, no-nonsense trainer best-known as one of the stars of NBC’s hit reality show, “The Biggest Loser.”
Christensen’s lawsuit 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 “Calorie Control” on Thursday; it bears almost identical language to Christensen’s suit.
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.
