FTC issues warning to Cardi B over undisclosed spon-con

Cardi B promoted detox tea brand Teami without properly disclosing the post as an ad.

March 09, 2020
FTC issues warning to Cardi B over undisclosed spon-con Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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 who 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, which will be given back to consumers duped by the brand’s claims. Teami suggests that its products fight cancer, among other things. Cardi was previously criticised by influencer Jameela Jamil over her endorsement of Teami, due to the product’s role in promoting diet culture.

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FTC issues warning to Cardi B over undisclosed spon-con