CitySlim and Laser Clinic salon sues client for defamation following one-star Google review

CitySlim and Laser Clinic salon is suing a client for defamation after she left them a one-star Google review, requesting a written apology and $2,200.

A Melbourne “boutique” beauty clinic is suing a client for defamation after the woman – who claims staff told her she had a “sagging” face and needed to lose weight – left a scathing review.

CitySlim and Laser Clinic is seeking a written apology and $2,200 from disgruntled customer Edina Logo after she left a critical, one-star Google review on January 17 this year.

The post, which as of writing this article currently remains up online, details Ms Logo’s “incredibly disappointing” experience while she received treatment at the clinic late last year.

Edina Logo is being sued by a Melbourne beauty clinic for an allegedly defamatory Google review in which she accuses the manager of criticising her appearance

In her review Ms Logo accused owner and manager Leila Fathabad of criticising her appearance and assigning an unqualified trainee to carry out her treatment.

“On the rare occasions I did see Leila (Fathabad), her focus seemed to be on criticising my appearance and upselling additional treatments,” her Google review reads.

“As a 25-year-old woman, being told my face is sagging and that I need facial sessions alongside my other treatments felt inappropriate and unnecessary.”

Ms Logo claims the advice she received was not only unhelpful but was also “irresponsible”, allegedly told to lose weight, eat only 1,500 calories a day and cut out certain food groups.

Her review concluded with: “I’m not here to slander your business; I simply want others to be aware of my experience.”

In a writ filed to Victoria’s County Court last month, solicitors representing CitySlim Clinic and Ms Fathabad claim the business suffered “aggravated damages” and costs as a result of Ms Logo’s negative review.

“We believe you have committed an actionable defamation against our clients (CitySlim Clinic and Ms Fathabad),” a concerns notice addressed to Ms Logo read.

CitySlim and Laser Clinic is seeking a written apology from Edina Logo. Picture: Supplied

The self-promoted “premier boutique clinic” at the Paris End of Collins St, CitySlim Clinic offers accredited Endermologie – fat and cellulite reduction procedure – treatment for patrons.

On their website the clinic claims to offer “cutting-edge treatments” from a team of highly trained and experienced therapists.

Ms Logo is accused of suggesting the clinic employed “unqualified staff”, engaged in unethical practices by criticising her appearance and upselling unnecessary treatments, as well as exploiting customers by intentionally providing substandard services.

They have demanded she take down the post, provide a written apology and cough up $2,200 for associated legal costs.

While part of the review is included, the owner’s reply to Ms Logo has been omitted from the writ supplied to County Court, in which CitySlim Clinic shared detailed accounts of Ms her treatment history.

The “premier boutique clinic” beauty clinic claims they have suffered aggravated damages and costs as a result of the review. Picture: Supplied

“Hi Edina, Hope you’re well. We’re genuinely shocked by your review, as you consistently expressed satisfaction with our services until your last visit … since you declined to discuss this with us privately, we feel it’s important to clarify your treatment journey and address any inaccuracies,” the reply reads.

The post goes on to share which sessions Ms Logo underwent at CitySlim Clinic, including when and how many sessions she completed.

CitySlim Clinic said they feared Ms Logo’s review did not reflect the “care and professionalism” they believed she had received.

Patrons are often unaware as to the legal ramifications their online, and therefore very public, reviews can have.

Under section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law, a person cannot engage conduct that is likely to mislead or deceive when in trade or commerce.

Both Ms Logo and her legal representation were contacted for comment on several occasions.

Solicitors for CitySlim and Laser Clinic and Ms Fathabad told the Herald Sun they were not comfortable providing comment and remained engaged in the legal process.

Originally published as CitySlim and Laser Clinic salon sues client for defamation following one-star Google review