Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Avon and Mary Kay
LOS ANGELES, Feb 29, 2012 -- Eagan Avenatti, LLP announced today the filing of a class action lawsuit against cosmetic companies Estee Lauder, Avon Products, and Mary Kay on behalf of American consumers deceived by the companies' false and misleading representations relating to animal testing of their products. Beltran et al. v. Estee Lauder, et al., United States District Court -- Central District of California, Case No. SA12-CV312 CJC (ANX).
The Class Action complaint alleges that Estee Lauder, Avon and Mary Kay purposely defrauded consumers by falsely claiming that their products were not tested on animals when, in reality, the companies knew full well that they had begun testing various cosmetic products on animals. The complaint further alleges that the companies deliberately misled the American public by claiming their products were "cruelty free" at the same time the companies undertook animal testing in order to sell their products in China and reap hundreds of millions of dollars in Chinese sales. The complaint seeks to certify a class of over 1,000,000 consumers and requests over $100,000,000 in punitive and compensatory damages.
On February 16, 2012, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced that Estee Lauder, Avon and Mary Kay had been removed from the organization's "cruelty free" list of companies that do not test on animals after it was discovered that the companies were performing animal testing. PETA subsequently downgraded the companies and listed them on PETA's list of companies that do conduct animal testing.
"While it may make economic sense for a company to pursue sales in China, those sales should not occur at the expense of fundamental principles," stated co-counsel for the Plaintiffs Michael Avenatti of Eagan Avenatti, LLP. "Estee Lauder, Avon and Mary Kay should have been open and honest with the American public and told the truth -- that sales and profits were more important to them than refusing to conduct animal testing."
"This case is about being open and honest with consumers," added co-counsel Filippo Marchino of The X-Law Group, P.C. "If you advertise that you are not conducting animal testing, then you shouldn't be conducting animal testing -- it's that simple."
Related News
-
Avon to Pay Millions to Settle Bribery Charges
NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2014 -- Avon Products, Inc. today announced that the company has entered into agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to the previously disclosed Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations. The terms of... Read More...Avon Splits with DSA
Citing risks of being labeled a pyramid scheme, Avon is parting ways with the trade association it helped found almost a century ago. Avon parted with a letter to other member companies expressing concern that the Direct Sellers Association bylaws and guidelines might not be sufficient to protect... Read More...Avon Appoints Pablo Munoz Sr VP and President, North America
NEW YORK, May 20, 2013 -- Avon Products, Inc. announced today the appointment of Pablo Munoz as Senior Vice President and President, North America, effective June 24, 2013. Mr. Munoz will report to Sheri McCoy, Avon's Chief Executive Officer, and will join the company's Executive Committee. Mr.... Read More...Avon Announces Layoffs
NEW YORK, April 8, 2013 -- Avon Products, Inc. today released further details of the company's previously announced $400 million Cost Saving Initiative by 2016.The latest actions include a global headcount reduction of more than 400 associates across all regions and functions, and the restructuri... Read More...
