An advertising watchdog has filed a complaint against Gwyneth Paltrow's now infamous lifestyle company, Goop. The nonprofit Truth in Advertising (TINA) sent out a letter to two district attorneys connected to the California Food, Drug and Medical Task Force, criticizing the company for promoting over 50 unsubstantiated (and illegal) health claims.
“TINA.org’s investigation revealed that the company uses unsubstantiated, and therefore deceptive, health and disease treatment claims to market many of it products," states the letter.
It's not the first time Paltrow's company has been called out for its totally bizarre and in no way scientifically accurate health claims. Remember when Goop told women to put a $66 egg up their lady parts? Apparently, this increases orgasms, hormonal balance and "feminine energy" (whatever that means). Of course, doctors and other health professional responded immediately by pointing out that is utter bullshit.
Goop began life in 2008 as a weekly newsletter, sent straight from Paltrow's kitchen. Now, it's a fully fledged online publishing company. This year it even branched out into events, launching the "Goop Wellness Summit" where entry was $500 a pop, but for an extra $1,000 you could have lunch with Paltrow. Visitors could also enjoy a day of crystal therapy, aura reading, and anti-oxidant IV drips, on top of the workout classes and panel discussions.
From wearable stickers made from spacesuit material (false) that “promote healing” (false) to earthing (which has something to do with walking around barefoot, electrical static, and insomnia, but don't ask Paltrow, she's already admitted “I don’t know what the fuck I'm talking about!”), the site's made some pretty shaky health claims over the years. But not only are they touting completely unsubstantiated, and in some case harmful, medical advice, they are selling readers the products they promote at extortionate prices.
The letter continues by saying: “TINA.org has catalogued a sampling of more than 50 instances in which the company claims, either expressly or implicitly that its products – or third party products that it promotes – can treat, cure, prevent, alleviate symptoms of, or reduce the risk of developing a number of ailments ranging from depression anxiety, and insomnia, to infertility, uterine prolapse, and arthritis, just to name a few.”
TINA.org said they'd been in touch with representatives from Goop but when they sent them example links of articles on the website containing false health claims, "the company made only limited changes" to the site.
“For these reasons, TINA.org urges your office to commence an investigation into the marketing claims being made by Goop and take appropriate enforcement action,” states the letter.
As to whether the California Food, Drug, and Medical Task Force responds to this suggestion, we'll just have to wait and see.
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