Losers
Ghost: The maker of energy drinks, dietary supplements and sports nutrition products for adults must defend itself from allegations that it is “unfairly and deceptively marketing” the products to children in violation of Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Food and Drug Administration laws. The complaint comes from ad watchdog group TINA.org and the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health. They cite Ghost’s use of candy brand names for flavors and packaging, including Swedish Fish, Bubblicious, Sour Patch Kids and Warheads.
Ghost in a statement said it has "an unyielding Responsible Marketing Code of Conduct Policy that strictly prohibits marketing to kids under 18 years old and sets stringent guidelines to ensure adherence. Ghost takes this matter very seriously and we are continuously and thoroughly evaluating our packaging, content, and marketing materials to reflect and uphold our Code of Conduct."
Influencers: The industry took a hit this week when eight influencers were charged with a stock-manipulation scheme. The influencers are targeted in civil and criminal complaints, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, for allegedly encouraging their followers to “buy certain stocks they had purchased without sharing their intent to dump them after share prices or trading volumes climbed.” Per the Journal’s report, they include: Perry Matlock, known as “PJ Matlock;” Edward Constantin, known as “MrZackMorris;” Thomas Cooperman, known as “Tommy Coops;” Gary Deel, known as “Mystic Mac;” Mitchell Hennessey, known as “Hugh Henne;” Stefan Hrvatin, known as “LadeBackk’” and John Rybarczyk, known as “Ultra Calls” and “The Stock Sniper.”
State Farm: The insurer was sued for racial bias in a lawsuit that used nine months of data to try to prove its claims, according to an explosive New York Times report. The lawsuit alleges that State Farm discriminates against Black customers when paying out insurance claims. A State Farm media specialist said the company takes the filing seriously. "This suit does not reflect the values we hold at State Farm," she said. "State Farm is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment, where all customers and associates are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. We are dedicated to paying what we owe, promptly and courteously.”
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