Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was sued Wednesday after posting a pro-dentistry video on social media earlier this week, according to court filings.
Consumer advocacy group Travelers United It has been submitted The governor filed a lawsuit against Noem in Washington, D.C., accusing her of running “misleading and deceptive” ads. (Related: Republican Gov. Kristi Noem’s dentist video prompts confused reactions)
“On March 12, 2024, she advertised a product or service without disclosing that she had a financial relationship with the company. She informed her followers that she was advertising on behalf of the brand. “Travelers United is taking steps to compel her to provide corrective disclosures on all social media posts promoting her products and services,” the lawsuit said.
Noem went viral on social media earlier this week after traveling more than 1,000 miles to Sugar Land, Texas, to show support for her “new family” at Smile Texas, who helped fix her smile. The video was shared on Twitter. However, after the video, the South Dakota governor received many confused reactions as to why he would promote the company.
We love our new family at Smile Texas! The video says it all. I am so grateful to them for fixing my smile. 😊🙌🏼😊 pic.twitter.com/z2kTmiY8td
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) March 12, 2024
Several asked a question Others wondered if she would be allowed to post a statement of support as governor. activity For Noem, it’s “very strange.”
The Texas dental company also posted the video on Instagram, calling Noem a “respectful woman” who “just received a beautiful executive, feminine smile here at Smile Texas.”
The complaint alleges that Noem allegedly violated the Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). The law “establishes an enforceable right to obtain truthful information from merchants about consumer goods and services to be purchased, leased, or received in the District of Columbia.” Similarly, the Federal Trade Commission requires it to be clear whether social posts are advertisements.
“Social Media Commentary: Why Influencers, Here Gov. Kristi Noem, Advertises on Social Media Without the Federal Trade Commission’s Mandatory Requirement to Disclose that a Post is an Advertisement by Writing Ad, Advertisement “The focus seems to be on confusion about whether a post can be posted “or sponsored,” the application states.
The lawsuit comes after Democratic North Dakota Sen. Reynold Nesiba called for an investigation into the South Dakota governor’s video posting and questioned whether Noem used a state plane or public funds to conduct the proceedings. Happened. according to To the Associated Press.
