(Image via Ekaterina Bolovtsova)
Lavender Lingerie LLC, doing business as Savage X Fenty, has agreed to pay $1.2 million to settle a consumer protection lawsuit. This lingerie company, associated with pop star Rihanna, faced allegations of misleading business practices related to its VIP membership program.
The lawsuit, initiated in August 2022, was filed by district attorney offices from Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties, along with the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office. The main allegations against Lavender Lingerie LLC were centered around the company’s failure to clearly disclose the terms of its VIP membership program, which included automatic charges and renewal fees. The lawsuit claimed that these practices violated California’s consumer protection laws.
Prosecutors asserted that the company’s website did not properly inform customers about automatic renewals and recurring charges associated with the VIP memberships. Additionally, it was alleged that the website falsely advertised the use of store credits and misled consumers about product pricing. These practices left many customers unaware of the monthly charges applied to their accounts.
Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Deng emphasized the importance of transparency in such business practices. “Consumers have a right to know up front what they are paying for and how often,” Deng stated, highlighting the necessity for businesses to be clear and conspicuous about automatic renewal charges.
As part of the settlement, Savage X Fenty will pay $1 million in civil penalties, $50,000 in investigative costs, and $150,000 in restitution. The restitution will be distributed to California VIP members who were affected by the misleading practices. These members include those who did not make a purchase or opt out of the membership after their initial enrollment and those who canceled their memberships but did not receive refunds.
In response to the lawsuit, Savage X Fenty cooperated with the investigation and has since updated its website, renewal notices, and advertising practices to comply with legal standards. The company has taken steps to ensure clearer communication about its membership program and automatic charges.
This settlement marks an important step in consumer protection, ensuring that businesses are held accountable for their practices and that consumers are adequately informed about their purchases. The case against Lavender Lingerie LLC serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and transparency in marketing and sales practices in the online retail industry.
The Savage X Fenty line, launched by Rihanna in 2018, has been widely celebrated for its inclusive approach to lingerie, offering a wide range of sizes and promoting body positivity. Despite this positive reception, the company’s recent legal challenges underscore the critical importance of adhering to consumer protection laws.