Two New Influencer Campaign Lawsuits Target Shein, Celsius: 2025 Court Update
Introduction
Two of the biggest influencer-driven brands—Shein and Celsius—are once again under legal fire in 2025. This time, it’s not just the companies being targeted, but also the influencer marketing campaigns tied to them.
In separate lawsuits filed in June 2025, Shein and Celsius are accused of:
- Running deceptive influencer campaigns
- Violating FTC advertising laws
- Allowing influencers to promote unverified claims
- Damaging consumers through misleading content
These cases mark a growing trend: influencers and the brands they promote are being held accountable together.
This article includes the latest court updates, influencer names (where available), and what creators, brands, and marketers need to know going forward.
⚖️ Case #1: FTC vs. Shein’s Influencer Network
Filed: June 3, 2025 | U.S. District Court – California
Case Type: Consumer Protection, False Advertising, Deceptive Endorsements
Allegations:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleges that Shein orchestrated a deceptive influencer campaign that misled millions of consumers about:
- Sustainable fashion claims
- Fair labor practices
- Ethical sourcing certifications
According to the complaint, Shein’s influencers:
- Repeatedly described the brand as “eco-friendly” and “ethically made”
- Failed to disclose sponsorships or affiliate links in more than 40% of posts
- Promoted content that contradicted independent reports on Shein’s manufacturing
Quote from FTC Director of Consumer Policy:
“Influencer marketing must not be a shortcut to deceit. Consumers deserve truth—especially when it involves social justice and sustainability.”
Influencers Named (in filings):
- @JenGoesGlobal – travel influencer with 1.1M TikTok followers
- @LuxeByLila – fashion creator on Instagram with 840K followers
- Unlisted Micro-Influencers – allegedly received “cash or merchandise” in exchange for endorsements with no disclosures
Legal Impact:
- Shein could face civil penalties up to $50M
- Influencers may face personal fines and FTC warnings
- Brands and marketers are now advised to submit influencer scripts for FTC pre-review in sensitive sectors
⚖️ Case #2: Celsius Faces Class-Action Over Health Claims by Influencers
Filed: June 5, 2025 | U.S. District Court – Florida
Case Type: Class-Action, False Health Claims, Affiliate Marketing Abuse
Allegations:
Celsius Holdings is being sued for allowing influencers to make unproven health claims about their drinks. The lawsuit claims that:
- Influencers described Celsius as “doctor-recommended” and “burns fat fast”
- Several posts implied FDA approval, which Celsius does not have
- Affiliate campaigns incentivized creators to exaggerate product benefits
“This is commercial fraud wrapped in aesthetic TikToks,” says the lead attorney representing over 3,200 consumers in the class-action.
Influencers Involved (Allegedly):
- @FitWithDasha – fitness coach with 2.8M followers
- @KetoMamaUSA – lifestyle influencer known for health drink reviews
- Others are part of Celsius’s affiliate network earning $5–$10 per sale
These creators are accused of posting scripted, unverifiable testimonials, many with missing FTC disclosures.
Celsius’ Response:
Celsius has issued a statement denying wrongdoing and saying:
- All influencer content was “independently created”
- The company “does not script or approve influencer posts”
- They plan to challenge the lawsuit’s basis in court
Legal experts suggest Celsius may be forced to tighten campaign oversight and rework its affiliate program entirely.
Why These Cases Matter More Than Ever
These lawsuits signal a shift in how the law views influencers—not as innocent promoters, but as accountable advertisers.
⚠️ What’s Changing:
- FTC is holding influencers equally liable for deception
- Affiliate links = paid endorsement (whether or not cash changed hands)
- Courts now treat “follower influence” as commercial power
If you’re a creator or brand:
- You must ensure factual accuracy
- You must disclose sponsorships clearly and early
- You can’t exaggerate or fake benefits, especially in health or sustainability spaces
FAQs
Q1: Can influencers really be fined by the FTC?
✅ Yes. The FTC has issued individual fines up to $50,000 for influencers violating advertising and disclosure laws.
Q2: Is Shein being sued for the same issues as before?
Partly. But this time, the focus is on influencer content, not just labor or manufacturing. The FTC is expanding enforcement.
Q3: How can Celsius be blamed for influencer posts?
Celsius allowed affiliate marketing with no proper oversight, leading to false health claims tied to their brand.
Q4: What kind of disclosures are required?
FTC requires clear, upfront, and visible disclosure like “Paid partnership with Celsius” or “#Ad” in the first 3 seconds of a video or the top of a caption.
Q5: What happens if these brands lose the lawsuits?
They may pay millions in damages, influencers may face individual fines, and future influencer campaigns will become much more regulated.
Fact Check
Claim: Shein and Celsius are facing new lawsuits involving influencer marketing campaigns.
✅ True – Court documents filed in June 2025 confirm that both brands are being sued for false advertising and FTC violations via influencer promotions.
Conclusion
The influencer marketing world is no longer the Wild West. As Shein and Celsius now face major legal battles over their influencer campaigns, the message is clear:
🎯 “Promote wisely—or be prepared to defend it in court.”
Creators must now:
- Vet the brands they work with
- Be transparent about compensation
- Never make claims they can’t back up
Brands must:
- Monitor influencer content
- Enforce FTC guidelines
- Audit affiliate programs regularly
This is the new era of influencer accountability—and it’s only just beginning.
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