The Music Man, Part 2: What Scientology has to do with a pricey online piano academy
Emily Jankowski and Grace Tatter, WBUR | NPR
June 2017: A federal judge granted partial summary judgment for the injunctive relief class claims concluding that these claims were moot because the company removed “100% Natural” claims from its advertising. Plaintiffs’ individual claims for damages remain.
September 2015: A federal judge certified the class for injunctive relief but did not certify the damages class.
March 2014: A Consolidated Class Action Complaint making similar allegations (i.e., that the company markets products as natural when they contain unnatural ingredients and contaminants) was filed.
February 2014: This case was consolidated with another case, Trevino v. The Hain Celestial Group.
November 2013: A class-action lawsuit was filed against The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. claiming that the company falsely advertises various Celestial Seasonings teas. Specifically, plaintiffs claim the company advertises that its tea products – including Sleepytime Herbal Tea, Sleepytime Kids Goodnight Grape, and several flavors of green tea – are “100% natural” when, according to plaintiffs, the products are not natural and contain contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and toxins. (Von Slomski et al v. The Hain Celestial Group, Case No. 13-cv-01757, C. D. CA.).
For more information about other class-action lawsuits filed against The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and TINA.org’s coverage of the company, click here.
Emily Jankowski and Grace Tatter, WBUR | NPR
It may surprise you.
Verdict comes nine years after TINA.org alerted regulator to supplement’s unsubstantiated health claims.
Regulators have a beef with company’s climate pledge.
Consumers need to be wary of undisclosed incentivized reviews.