Cardi B has received a “sternly worded warning letter” from the Federal Trade Commission over the fact that she has been promoting medically dubious detox tea brand Teami on her Instagram without properly disclosing the posts as advertisements.
As BuzzFeed News reports, this move is a rare one from the typically hands-off FTC. The Commission also sent letters to Jordin Sparks and a handful of other influencers; anyone who had posted the brand’s content without proper ad attribution.
In addition, the FTC is pursuing legal action against the brand, seeking $1 million from the company. The money will go back to consumers duped by the brand’s claims.
Teami suggests that its products fight cancer, among other things. Cardi B previously received criticism from actress and activist Jameela Jamil over her endorsement of the detox tea; due to the product’s role in promoting toxic diet culture.
Back in 2018, Jameela Jamil called out Cardi B for false advertising, hoping she “shits her pants”.
Jamil went on to discredit Cardi’s claim that Teami “curbs” one’s appetite, suggesting green vegetables and other high-fiber foods instead. She also suggested that fans talk to their doctor, rather than seek diet advice from celebrities on social media.
The Good Place star also called out Cardi and other celebrities and influencers, like Amber Rose; shelling out their followers for products that are “toxic” and don’t promote long-lasting health.
And just last month, Eniola Badmus challenged the claims of diet pills and teas by offering herself up as a subject. Read that story here.
