Federal Judge Rules Seattle Plastic Surgery Provider Illegally Prevented Negative Online Reviews

Federal Judge Rules Seattle Plastic Surgery Provider Illegally Prevented Negative Online Reviews

In a groundbreaking ruling, a federal judge has determined that a Seattle plastic surgery provider, Allure Esthetic, and its owner, Dr. Javad Sajan, illegally prevented thousands of patients from posting negative online reviews. The judge’s decision comes after Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit against the provider, alleging violations of consumer rights to post truthful reviews about a business.

The lawsuit accused Allure Esthetic of a range of deceptive practices, including altering “before and after” photos, bribing patients to remove negative reviews, and forcing employees to post fake positive reviews. The provider even went as far as suing anonymous reviewers for defamation in an attempt to control its online reputation on platforms like Google and Yelp.

One of the most egregious allegations in the lawsuit was that Allure required patients to sign nondisclosure agreements before receiving treatment, effectively silencing any negative feedback. Patients who gave less than a four-star rating were considered “negative” and were required to contact the clinic directly to resolve their issues before posting a review.

Furthermore, the lawsuit claimed that Allure violated privacy laws by requiring some patients to waive their rights so the provider could respond to negative reviews with personal health information. Patients who agreed to take down negative reviews were forced to sign a second nondisclosure agreement with a hefty fine for non-compliance.

Attorney General Ferguson’s office conducted a thorough investigation into Allure Esthetic, interviewing former employees and patients to gather evidence of the provider’s deceptive practices. The trial to determine the penalty against Allure and Dr. Sajan is scheduled for September, where the full extent of their wrongdoing will be addressed.

This ruling serves as a warning to businesses that attempt to manipulate online reviews and deceive consumers. Online reviews are a crucial tool for consumers to make informed decisions, and any attempts to suppress negative feedback or deceive the public will not be tolerated. The case against Allure Esthetic highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in the digital age.