Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Trying to exercise a class-action

Michaels
Anthony Mccartney Associated Press

Celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels is firing back at a false advertising lawsuit filed against her over a diet supplement, saying she supports the product.

“My reputation and credibility are of the utmost importance to me,” Michaels said. “This baseless lawsuit is entirely without merit.”

A California woman, Christie Christensen, sued Michaels last week and is seeking class-action status.

Michaels is a hard-charging, no-nonsense trainer best-known as one of the stars of NBC’s reality show “The Biggest Loser.”

Christensen’s lawsuit claims she bought a product called “Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Calorie Control” last month and that it has failed to lessen her appetite or cause her to lose weight as advertised.

A second suit was filed with almost identical language.

Michaels’ picture and endorsement appear on the packaging, touting her as “America’s Toughest Trainer.”

The product and a Web site ad include the claim, “Two Capsules Before Main Meals and You Lose Weight … That’s It!”

Michaels, who endorses several products made and marketed by Utah-based ThinCare International, also named in the lawsuit, said:

“I stand behind all my products and remain committed to helping people achieve their health and wellness goals.”

ThinCare said in a statement that Michaels’ “Calorie Control” product underwent rigorous testing and carries a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Said Christensen’s attorney: “We believe the weight of the evidence, no pun intended, will clearly establish that Ms. Michaels and the other defendants violated consumer protection laws.”

The birthday bunch

Actor Pete Postlethwaite is 64. Actor William Katt is 59. Actor LeVar Burton is 53. Rapper-actor Ice-T is 52. Actress Lisa Loring is 52. Rapper Lupe Fiasco is 28.