Revolve Faces $50 Million Lawsuit Over Influencer Partnerships

Influencer Marketing Under the Microscope The lawsuit, filed in California Central District Court, accuses Revolve of violating federal trade law by running an advertising “scheme” in which influencers promoted products without clearly disclosing their paid relationships.

“For many years, Revolve used its position, payments and free merchandise to entice influencers to endorse and promote its products while failing to disclose any material relationship with the brand,” the complaint states.

Lead plaintiff Ligia Negreanu claims  she paid 10% to 40% more for Revolve items, believing influencer posts were genuine. “Had she known the influencers’ posts were sponsored, she would not have purchased Revolve’s products at the prices she paid,” the lawsuit alleges.

Revolve’s affiliate companies and three influencers are also named as co-defendants. FTC Disclosure Rules and Industry Pressure The suit argues that Revolve’s paid influencers often merely tagged the brand’s Instagram account, rather than using FTC-mandated disclosures such as the “paid partnership” label or #ad hashtag…