Laundress Class Action: Toxic Bacteria Claims
Laundress Class Action: Toxic Bacteria Claims
5 SHENAQ PC
Amir Shenaq, Esq.*
6 3500 Lenox Road, Ste. 1500
Atlanta, GA 30326
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Tel: (888) 909-9993
8 amir@[Link]
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
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NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
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EUREKA DIVISION
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Margaret Murphy, individually, and CASE NO.
21 on behalf of those similarly situated,
CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
22 Plaintiff,
Demand for Jury Trial
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v.
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UNILEVER UNITED STATES, INC.,
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Defendant.
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Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 2 of 38
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NATURE OF ACTION
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22 intended purpose. Further, had Plaintiff and Class Members been aware of the
23 presence of fatal bacteria, they would not have purchased the Products.
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2. With the sale of every Product, Defendant delivered a biological weapon
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into the home of every Class Member.
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1 At the time of this filing, Exhibit A includes the LAUNDRESS products that are
28 included in this definition. This definition is not exhaustive, and shall include all of
Defendant’s products that are similarly misrepresented and defective.
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6. In fact, the toxin has been present in all of the Products for years.
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7. Unfortunately, the toxin permeated – unknowingly to consumers –
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13 throughout all of the Products which led (and currently leads) to unneeded physical
15 8. Plaintiff and Class Members are further harmed because once silk,
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cashmere, and wool are contaminated by the bacterium, these garments may be
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20 2 University of Oxford, Common drug-resistant superbug develops fast resistance to
'last resort' antibiotic (June 7, 2022), [Link]
21 drug-resistant-superbug-develops-fast-resistance-last-resort-antibiotic.
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3Cheol-In Kang, Sung-Han Kim, Hong-Bin Kim, Sang-Won Park, Young-Ju Choe,
23 Myoung-don Oh, Eui-Chong Kim, Kang-Won Choe, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Bacteremia: Risk Factors for Mortality and Influence of Delayed Receipt of Effective
24 Antimicrobial Therapy on Clinical Outcome, CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES, Volume
37, Issue 6, 15 September 2003, Pages 745–751, [Link]
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4 Justin Moyer, What we know about Pseudomonas, the potentially deadly bacteria
26 found at a Maryland hospital, THE WASHINGTON POST ((Aug. 9, 2016),
[Link]
27 pseudomonas-the-potentially-deadly-bacteria-found-at-a-md-hospital/; Aimee Ortiz,
Deaths of 3 Infants Traced to Contaminated Equipment, Hospital Says, THE NEW
28 YORK TIMES (Nov. 8, 2019), [Link]
[Link].
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destroyed because they cannot be exposed to hot water, intense heat, bleach or
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2 hospital grade disinfectants which are necessary to kill the bacteria.
9 Americans every day while also knowingly selling consumers defective Products that
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18 class of all other similarly situated purchasers of the Products for (i) violations of the
19 consumer protection statutes for states included in a Multi-State Consumer Class; (ii)
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violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law; (iii) violation of California’s False
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Advertising Law; (iv) violation of California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act; (v)
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25 5Sabir R, Alvi SF, Fawwad A, Basit A. Antibiogram of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in patients with diabetes. PAK J MED SCI.
26 2014 Jul;30(4):814-8. doi: 10.12669/pjms.304.4755. PMID: 25097523; PMCID:
PMC4121704.
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6ACTION MEDICAL RESEARCH, Secrets of a 'superbug': what makes Pseudomonas
28 bacteria so deadly? (Oct. 6, 2007), [Link]
what-makes-pseudomonas-bacteria-so-deadly.
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breach of implied warranty; (vi) violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; and
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2 (vii) unjust enrichment.
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PARTIES
4 14. Plaintiff is, and at all times relevant to this action has been, a resident
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of California and a domiciliary of California.
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7 a. Within the past two years, Plaintiff made several purchases of
10 purchased by Plaintiff included, but not limited to, the Delicate Wash, the Crease
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11 Relief spray, and the Signature Detergent. Prior to purchasing THE LAUNDRESS
12 Products, Plaintiff saw and relied on the representation and warranty that the
13 product would be a “non-toxic” and “better for you” alternatives to other cleaning
14 methods like dry cleaning. Plaintiff understood these representations to mean that
15 the Products did not contain harsh, harmful, or toxic ingredients. At the time of
16 purchase, Plaintiff did not expect that the cleaning supplies purchased would contain
18 substantial price premium, and would not have purchased the products had she
19 known that the marketing she relied on was false, misleading, deceptive and unfair
20 or that the Products contained potentially deadly bacteria. Plaintiff would purchase
21 the Products again in the future if Defendant conformed the Products to their “non-
22 toxic” marketing.
24 fit for use as non-toxic cleaners and safe to be used on delicate clothing in lieu of
25 having to dry clean expensive clothing. However, the Products that Plaintiff
26 purchased were not fit for use due to the presence of toxic bacteria in the Products.
27 Ms. Murphy’s belief that the Products were fit to be used as non-toxic cleaning
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1 products formed the basis of the bargain, and Ms. Murphy would not have purchased
2 the Products.
3 c. The Products that Plaintiff purchased and used caused Plaintiff
4 and members of her household to suffer from respiratory infections, skin infections,
5 rashes, and hives.
6 d. Plaintiff suffered economic injury from the Products’ defect
7 because she purchased an item that was worth less than what had been represented
8 to her.
15. Defendant is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business
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10 in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Defendant sells the Products throughout the United
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1 throughout the State of California, where the Products are purchased by thousands of
2 consumers every day.
3 19. Venue is proper in this District under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(a). Plaintiff’s
4 purchases of Defendant’s Products, substantial acts in furtherance of the alleged
5 improper conduct, including the dissemination of false and misleading information
6 regarding the nature, quality, and/or ingredients of the Products, occurred within this
7 District and the Defendant conducts business in this District.
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DIVISIONAL ASSIGNMENT
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10 20. Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 3-2(c-d), a substantial part of the events
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11 giving rise to the claims arose in Lake County, and this action should be assigned to
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the Eureka Division.
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COMMON FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
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15 A. Defendant Manufactures, Markets, Distributes and Sells the
Products
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21. Defendant manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells the Products
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throughout the United States.
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22. In January 2019, Defendant acquired the “premium eco-friendly line of
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detergent, fabric care, and home cleaning products”7 for $100,000,000.8
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23. Millions of units containing toxic bacteria were sold throughout the
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United States to consumers in all fifty states and Washington, D.C. at premium
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prices compared to competing brands. For example, one gallon of its Signature
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Detergent costs approximately $94 per unit.
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25 7UNILEVER, Unilever acquires The Laundress (Jan. 27, 2019),
[Link]
26 acquires-the-laundress/.
27 8Elizabeth Segran, The Laundress founders come clean about why they sold to
Unilever, FAST COMPANY (Jan. 29, 2019),
28 [Link]
and-lindsey-boyd-on-why-they-sold-to-unilever.
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17 24. Defendant markets the Products through a widespread campaign
18 focused on premium consumers that demand non-toxic, eco-friendly, and green
19 cleaning products.
20 B. Defendant’s Universal Branding and Marketing Campaigns
Emphasize the Non-Toxic Nature of the Products.
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25. Defendant positions its Products as premium, non-toxic alternatives to
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competing products through a widespread marketing campaign.
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26. THE LAUNDRESS is “known for its luxury, non-toxic and cruelty-free
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soaps and detergents….”9
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27 9Lauren Silver, Luxury lifestyle brand The Laundress tells customers to stop using its
products, FOX13 (Nov. 21, 2022),
28 [Link]
customers-stop-using-its-products/FLMEKMRPQZG55AO4UHPLKEDO34/
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1 29. For example, in a video entitled “Why You Should Rethink Dry
2 Cleaning” on the brand’s official website, co-founder Lindsey Boyd describes the toxic
3 chemicals that occur in dry cleaning and why THE LAUNDRESS is a “better for you”
4 alternative. She describes the Products as “non-toxic” and containing “the best
5 ingredients.”14
6 30. Defendant markets the Products through social media and uses
7 hashtags like #greencleaning, #plantderived, and #ecoconscious to further the
8 message that its Products are non-toxic, “good for you,” and offer an environmentally-
9 focused cleaning experience.
10 31.
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19 32. Defendant’s marketing campaigns have been successful at cultivating a
20 loyal customer base of consumers that seek non-toxic cleaning products and are
21 willing to pay thousands of dollars to obtain non-toxic cleaning products.
22 33. For example, customers will fill entire shelves at home with the
23 Products.
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14The Laundress, Why You Should Rethink Your Next Trip to the Dry Cleaner,
28 [Link]
next-trip-to-the-dry-cleaner.
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9 34. Class Members represent this loyal customer base that was deceived
10 into buying “non-toxic” Products that actually contained undisclosed harmful toxins
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1 40. Exposure to the bacteria can be fatal, and in 2016 it caused a deadly
2 outbreak that killed multiple infants at a Maryland hospital.18
3 41. In 2019, an outbreak of the bacteria at a Pennsylvania hospital also took
4 the lives of multiple infants.19
5 42. Pseudomonas can kill people “within 24 hours” of exposure.20
6 43. In one study of Pseudomonas, the bacteria displayed a 30-day mortality
7 rate of 39%.21
8 44. Defendant has, or should have, knowledge of the contents of the
9 Products that it sends into homes throughout the country.
10 45. The presence of toxins was not known by Plaintiff or Class Members
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11 prior to purchase.
12 46. The presence of harmful bacteria was a material element in Plaintiff’s
13 and Class Members’ decision to purchase the Products. Prior to purchase, Defendant
14 failed to inform Plaintiff and Class Members that the Products contained a bacterium
15 with fatal consequences. Only recently in November 2022, and after Class Members
16 purchased the Products, Defendant first revealed the presence of the bacteria in the
17 Products.
18 47. Had Plaintiff and Class Members known of the inclusion of the
19 undisclosed bacteria, they would not have purchased the Products.
20 48. Thus, the Products are worthless.
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24 18 Moyer, supra note 4.
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19 Ortiz, supra note 4.
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20 ACTION MEDICAL RESEARCH, supra note 6.
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3 50. The Products have harmed people and continue to pose a threat to the
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public.
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6 51. The Products that Plaintiff purchased and used caused Plaintiff and
10 unknown but expected given the long timeline that the bacterium colonizes.
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54. The Products create undue risk, danger, and harm throughout all
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12 aspects of everyday life. This danger is ever-present. Thus, Defendant’s inclusion of
1 general public, as they have already deceived and misled Plaintiff and the Class
2 Members.
3 61. In making the false, misleading, and deceptive representations and
4 omissions described herein, Defendant knew and intended that consumers would pay
5 a premium for Products under the – false – belief that the Products were safe and
6 free of toxins.
7 62. As an immediate, direct, and proximate result of Defendant's false,
8 misleading, and deceptive representations and omissions, Defendant injured the
9 Plaintiff and the Class Members in that they:
10 a. Paid a sum of money for Products that were not what Defendant
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11 represented;
12 b. Paid a premium price for Products that were not what Defendant
13 represented;
14 c. Were deprived of the benefit of the bargain because the Products they
15 purchased were different from what Defendant warranted; and
16 d. Were deprived of the benefit of the bargain because the Products they
17 purchased had less value than what Defendant represented.
18 63. Plaintiff and Class Members were additionally harmed by damage to
19 clothing, washing machines, and other property from exposure to the undisclosed
20 bacteria as well as the countless hours to attempt to clean the contaminated clothing.
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2 64. The scope of the damage to clothing is intensified because of the
3 bacterium’s long colonization period and its durability. Some Class Members have
4 washed thousands of garments with the Products.
5 65. Many garments can only be washed with cold water and can only be
6 hung to dry without the use of heat. For many, these garments are ruined because
7 the bacteria cannot be removed.
8 66. Madeline Miller, Product Specialist at THE LAUNDRESS understands
9 that "[c]ertain delicate natural fibers such as silk, cashmere and wool are particularly
10 sensitive to laundering methods, and cannot be exposed to harsh routines that
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71. Plaintiff and the Class Members all paid money for the Products.
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However, Plaintiff and the Class Members did not obtain the full value of the
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advertised Products due to Defendant's misrepresentations and omissions. Plaintiff
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and the Class Members purchased, purchased more of, and/or paid more for, the
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Products than they would have had they known the truth about the Products.
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Consequently, Plaintiff and the Class Members have suffered injury in fact and lost
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money as a result of Defendant's wrongful conduct.
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CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
20 72. Plaintiff brings this action as a class action pursuant to Federal Rule of
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Civil Procedure 23 on behalf of themselves, on behalf of all others similarly situated,
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and as a member of the Classes defined as follows (collectively, the “Classes” or
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24 “Class”):
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9 limitations period.
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73. Excluded from the Class are Defendant, their parents, subsidiaries,
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affiliates, officers, and directors, those who purchased the Products for resale, all
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13 persons who make a timely election to be excluded from the Class, the judge to whom
15 74. The members of the Class are so numerous that joinder of all Class
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Members is impracticable. Defendant has sold, at a minimum, millions of units of the
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Products to Class Members.
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19 75. There is a well-defined community of interest in the questions of law and
20 fact involved in this case. Questions of law and fact common to the members of the
21 putative classes that predominate over questions that may affect individual Class
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Members include, but are not limited to the following:
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25 23The States in the Multi-State Consumer Class are limited to those States with similar
consumer protection laws under the facts of this case: California (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §
26 17200, et seq.); Florida (Fla. Stat. § 501.201, et seq.); Illinois (815 ILCS 505/1, et seq.);
Massachusetts (Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 93A, et seq.); Michigan (Mich. Comp. Laws §
27 445.901, et seq.); Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 325F.67, et seq.); Missouri (Mo. Rev. Stat.
407.010, et seq.); New Jersey (N.J. Stat. § 56:8-1, et seq.); New York (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law
28 § 349, et seq.); Pennsylvania (73 Pa. Stat. Ann. §§ 201-1 et seq.); Oregon (Or. Rev. Stat.
§§ 646.605, et seq.); and Washington (Wash Rev. Code § 19.86.010, et seq).
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14 Classes;
20 Plaintiff, like all members of the Classes, purchased Defendant’s Products containing
21 the same Defect, and suffering from the same representations and omissions, and
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Plaintiff sustained damages from Defendant’s wrongful conduct.
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77. Plaintiff will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the classes
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25 and have retained counsel that is experienced in litigating complex class actions.
27 78. A class action is superior to any other available means for the fair and
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efficient adjudication of this controversy, and no unusual difficulties are likely to be
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encountered in the management of this class action. The damages or other financial
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2 detriment suffered by Plaintiff and the other Class Members are relatively small
3 compared to the burden and expense that would be required to individually litigate
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their claims against Defendant, making it impracticable for Class Members to
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individually seek redress for Defendant’s wrongful conduct. Even if Class Members
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could afford individual litigation, the court system could not. Individualized litigation
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8 creates a potential for inconsistent or contradictory judgments, and increases the
9 delay and expense to all parties and the court system. By contrast, the class action
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device presents far fewer management difficulties, and provides the benefits of single
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adjudication, economies of scale, and comprehensive supervision by a single court.
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13 79. The prerequisites to maintaining a class action for equitable relief are
14 met as Defendant has acted or refused to act on grounds generally applicable to the
15 classes, thereby making appropriate equitable relief with respect to the classes as a
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whole.
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80. The prosecution of separate actions by members of the classes would
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19 create a risk of establishing inconsistent rulings and/or incompatible standards of
20 conduct for Defendant. For example, one court might enjoin Defendant from
21 performing the challenged acts, whereas another might not. Additionally, individual
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actions could be dispositive of the interests of the classes even where certain Class
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Members are not parties to such actions.
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25 81. For the purposes of this Complaint, the term “Class Members” refers to
27 82. This action is maintainable as a class action under Federal Rule of Civil
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Procedure Rule 23.
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83. This Court should certify a class under Rule 23(b)(2) because Defendant
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2 has acted or refused to act on grounds that apply generally to the Class, by making
85. Notice to the Class. Plaintiff anticipates that this Court can direct
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notice to the Class, to be effectuated by publication in major media outlets and the
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13 Internet.
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COUNT I
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Violation of State Consumer Protection Statutes
16 (On Behalf of the Multi-State Consumer Class)
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86. Plaintiff repeats and realleges each and every allegation above as if set
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forth herein.
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87. The Consumer Protection Acts of the States in the Multi-State
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Consumer Class prohibit the use of unfair or deceptive business practices in the
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conduct of trade or commerce.
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88. Defendant intended that Plaintiff and the other members of the Multi-
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State Consumer Class would rely upon their deceptive conduct, and a reasonable
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person would in fact be misled by its deceptive conduct.
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89. As a result of the Defendant’s use or employment of unfair or deceptive
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acts or business practices, Plaintiff, and other members of the Multi-State Consumer
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Class, have sustained damages in an amount to be proven at trial.
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COUNT II
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Violation of California Business & Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq. –
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Unlawful Conduct Prong of the UCL
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(On Behalf of the California Class)
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90. Plaintiff incorporates by reference all allegations contained in the
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complaint as if fully set forth herein.
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91. The acts, omissions, misrepresentations and practices of Defendant
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constitute “unlawful” business acts and practices under the California Business &
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Professions Code section 17200 (“UCL”).
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92. Defendant’s acts, omissions, misrepresentations and practices are
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“unlawful” because they violate the California False Advertising Law (“FAL”), the
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Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (“MMWA”) and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act
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(“CLRA”).
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93. Defendant’s representations and omissions that the Products are non-
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toxic and safe are false, deceptive, and likely to deceive the public.
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94. Defendant’s representations and omissions concerning the ingredients in
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the Products is false, deceptive, and likely to deceive the public.
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95. Defendant’s deceptive advertising caused Plaintiff and members of the
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Class to suffer injury in fact and to lose money or property, as it denied them the
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benefit of the bargain when they decided to make their purchases over other products
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that are less expensive and without the harmful and dangerous effects of the
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Products.
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96. In accordance with California Business & Professions Code section
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17203, Plaintiff seeks an order enjoining Defendant from continuing to conduct
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business through unfair acts and practices and to commence a corrective advertising
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campaign.
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97. Plaintiff also seeks an order for the disgorgement and restitution of all
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monies from the sale of the Products that were unjustly acquired through acts of
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unlawful, unfair and/or fraudulent competition.
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COUNT III
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Violation of California Business & Professions Code §§ 17200, et seq. –
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Unfair and Fraudulent Conduct Prongs of the UCL
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(On Behalf of the California Class)
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COUNT IV
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Violation of California Business & Professions Code §§ 17500, et seq. –
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False and Misleading Advertising
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(On Behalf of the California Class)
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107. Plaintiff incorporates by reference all preceding paragraphs.
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108. California False Advertising Law (Cal. Business & Professions Code
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sections 17500 and 17508) prohibits “mak[ing] any false or misleading advertising
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claim.”
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109. Defendant, in its advertising, marketing, and labeling of the Products,
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makes false and misleading advertising claims as it deceives consumers as to their
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safety.
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110. In reliance on these false and misleading advertising claims, Plaintiff
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and members of the Nationwide Class purchased and used the Products without the
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knowledge they contained toxins that caused, or greatly increased the risk of, serious
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injury or death, to users of the Products.
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111. Defendant knew or should have known that its labeling, advertising,
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and marketing was likely to deceive consumers.
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112. As a result, Plaintiff and the Class are entitled to injunctive and
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equitable relief, restitution, and an order for the disgorgement of the funds by which
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Defendant was unjustly enriched.
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COUNT V
22 Violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act
23 CAL. CIV. CODE § 1750 et seq.
24 (Seeking Injunctive Relief Only)
25 (On Behalf of the California Class)
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1 114. Plaintiff brings this claim individually and on behalf of the members of
2 the proposed Classes against Defendant.
3 115. This claim seeks injunctive relief only, pursuant to California Civil Code
4 section 1782(d).
5 116. Defendant’s actions, representations, and conduct have violated, and
6 continue to violate, the CLRA because they extend to transactions that are intended
7 to result, or that have resulted, in the sale of goods to consumers.
8 117. Plaintiff and the California Class members are “consumers” as the
9 CLRA defines that term in California Civil Code section 1761(d).
10 118. Defendant sold the Products, which are “goods” within the meaning of
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11 California Civil Code section 1761(a), to Plaintiff and the California Class members.
12 119. Defendant’s policies, acts, and practices were designed to, and did, result
13 in Plaintiff and the California Class members’ purchase and use of the Products
14 primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, and violated and continue to
15 violate the following sections of the California Civil Code section 1770:
16 a. section 1770(a)(5), which prohibits representing that goods or
17 services have sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients,
18 uses, benefits, or quantities which they do not have;
19 b. section 1770(a)(7), which prohibits representing that goods or
20 services are of a particular standard, quality, or grade, or that
21 goods are of a particular style or model, if they are of another;
22 c. section 1770(a)(9), which prohibits advertising goods or services
23 with intent not to sell them as advertised; and
24 d. section 1770(a)(16), which prohibits representing that the subject
25 of a transaction has been supplied in accordance with a previous
26 representation when it has not.
27 120. Defendant’s advertising, labeling, and marketing of the Products are
28 likely to deceive reasonable consumers, including Plaintiff and the California Class
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1 members. Defendant’s representations and omissions that the Products are adequate
2 and safe are false and likely to deceive the public, as is Defendant’s failure to mention
3 the numerous adverse events related to their usage.
4 121. Plaintiff and the California Class members would not have purchased
5 the Products absent Defendant’s misleading and deceptive marketing campaign and
6 labeling regarding the safety of the Products.
7 122. Defendant knew or should have known that its Products’ advertising,
8 labeling, and marketing were likely to deceive reasonable consumers regarding the
9 safety of the Products.
10 123. Defendant’s deceptive representations and omissions about the Products
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11 caused Plaintiff and the members of the California Class to suffer injury in fact and
12 to lose money or property, as it denied them the benefit of the bargain when they
13 decided to make their Product purchases over other products that are less expensive
14 and without the harmful and dangerous contents of the Products.
15 124. Plaintiff and the California Class members request that this Court
16 enjoin Defendant from continuing to employ the unlawful methods, acts, and
17 practices alleged herein pursuant to California Civil Code section 1780(a)(2). If
18 Defendant is not restrained from engaging in these types of practices in the future,
19 Plaintiff and the California Class members will be harmed in that they will continue
20 to be unable to rely on Defendant’s deceptive representations and omissions
21 regarding the contents and safety of the Products.
22 COUNT VI
23 Breach of Implied Warranty
24 (On Behalf of the Nationwide Class)
25 125. Plaintiff incorporates by reference and re-allege herein all paragraphs
26 alleged above.
27 126. Plaintiff brings this claim individually and on behalf of the members of
28 the proposed Classes against Defendant.
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Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 28 of 38
11 they would not have purchased the Products on the same terms if they knew that the
12 Products contained the toxins, making it unsafe for consumer use; and (b) the
13 Products do not have the characteristics, uses, or benefits as promised by Defendant.
14 COUNT VII
15 Violation Of The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act,
16 15 U.S.C. §§ 2301, et seq.
17 (On Behalf of the Nationwide Class)
18 140. Plaintiff incorporates by reference and re-allege herein all paragraphs
19 alleged above.
20 141. Plaintiff brings this claim individually and on behalf of the members of
21 the proposed Classes against Defendant.
22 142. The Products are consumer products as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 2301.
23 143. Plaintiff and the Class Members are consumers as defined in 15 U.S.C. §
24 2301.
25 144. Defendant is a supplier and warrantor as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 2301.
26 145. In connection with the marketing and sale of the Products, Defendant
27 impliedly warranted that the Products was fit for use. The Products were not fit for
28 use due to the presence of toxic substances described in the allegations above.
– 27 –
CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 29 of 38
– 28 –
CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 30 of 38
1 154. Plaintiff brings this claim individually and on behalf of the members of
2 the proposed Classes against Defendant.
3 155. “Although there are numerous permutations of the elements of the
4 unjust enrichment cause of action in the various states, there are few real differences.
5 In all states, the focus of an unjust enrichment claim is whether the defendant was
6 unjustly enriched. At the core of each state’s law are two fundamental elements—the
7 defendant received a benefit from the plaintiff and it would be inequitable for the
8 defendant to retain that benefit without compensating the plaintiff. The focus of the
9 inquiry is the same in each state.” In re Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid Contract Litig., 257
10 F.R.D. 46, 58 (D.N.J. Apr. 24, 2009) (quoting Powers v. Lycoming Engines, 245 F.R.D.
GOOD GUSTAFSON AUMAIS LLP
– 29 –
CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 31 of 38
1 restitution to Plaintiff and the Class Members for their unjust enrichment, as ordered
2 by the Court.
3 PRAYER FOR RELIEF
4 WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, on behalf of themselves and other members of the
5 proposed Class herein, prays for judgment and relief on all of the legal claims as
6 follows:
7
A. Certification of the Class, certifying Plaintiff as representatives of the
8
Class, and designating Plaintiff’s counsel for the Class;
9
B. A declaration that Defendant has committed the violations alleged
10 herein;
GOOD GUSTAFSON AUMAIS LLP
11
C. A declaration that Defendant has committed that Defendant’s actions
12 are fraudulent, deceptive, and misleading as alleged herein;
27
JURY TRIAL DEMAND
28
Plaintiff demands a jury trial on all causes of action so triable.
– 30 –
CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 32 of 38
7
SHENAQ PC
8
Amir Shenaq, Esq.*
9 3500 Lenox Road, Ste. 1500
Atlanta, GA 30326
10 Tel: (888) 909-9993
GOOD GUSTAFSON AUMAIS LLP
amir@[Link]
11
12
THE KEETON FIRM LLC
13 Steffan T. Keeton, Esq.*
14 100 S Commons Ste 102
Pittsburgh PA 15212
15 Tel: (888) 412-5291
stkeeton@[Link]
16
17 *Pro hac vice forthcoming
– 31 –
CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 33 of 38
EXHIBIT A
Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 34 of 38
The safety notice from The Laundress covers products listed in the table below with the following lot
codes:
• 9-digit code starting with a letter: Last four digits are in the range of 1001-2259
• 9-digit code starting with a number: First five digits are in the range of 21001-22259
Stain Removal Essentials None All Purpose Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz, Stain Solution 16 fl oz, Stain
Brush, Wash & Stain Bar
John Mayer Out West Detergent and Fabric None All Purpose Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz, Stain Solution 16 fl oz, Wash
Fresh Boxed Gift Set & Stain Bar, Stain Brush
Home Cleaning Best Seller Kit None All Purpose Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz, Surface Cleaner 16 fl oz,
Glass & Mirror Cleaner 16 fl oz, Scented Vinegar 16 fl oz
All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate Duo 859675001689 All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate 16 fl oz x2
All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate Bulk (6 859675001689 All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate 16 fl oz x6
units)
All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate 16 fl oz None All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate 16 fl oz, Glass Spray Bottle
with Glass Bottle
Spring Cleaning Bundle None All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate 16 fl oz, Scented Vinegar 16 fl oz,
All Purpose Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz, Signature Detergent 32 fl oz,
Stain Solution 16 fl oz, Stain Brush
Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax & None Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Detergent 16 fl oz,
Forest Therapy Boxed Gift Set Aromatherapy Associates Forest Therapy Detergent 16 fl oz
Aromatherapy Associates Full Collection None Aromatherapy Associates Forest Therapy Detergent 16 fl oz, Deep
Relax Detergent 16 fl oz, Support Breathe Dish Detergent 16 fl oz,
Support Breathe Surface Cleaner 16 fl oz
Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe None Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Surface Cleaner 16 fl oz,
Surface Cleaner & Dish Detergent Duo Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Dish Detergent 16 fl oz
Artisan Detergent and Candle Boxed Gift None Artisan Detergent 16 fl oz, Artisan Candle
Set
Baby Detergent Duo 859675001030 Baby Detergent 32 fl oz x2
Baby Detergent 32 fl oz Bulk (6 Units) 859675001030 Baby Detergent 32 fl oz x6
Baby Detergent & Fabric Conditioner Duo None Baby Detergent 32 fl oz, Baby Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz
New Parent Kit None Baby Detergent 32 fl oz, Baby Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz, Baby
Fabric Fresh 4 fl oz, All Purpose Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz, Stain
Solution 16 fl oz
Baby Detergent & Fabric Fresh Duo None Baby Detergent 32 fl oz, Baby Fabric Fresh 4 fl oz
Fabric Conditioner Baby Duo 859675001597 Baby Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz x2
Fabric Conditioner- Baby Bulk (6 Units) 859675001597 Baby Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz x6
On the Spot Holiday Edition None Classic Fabric Fresh 2 fl oz, Crease Release 2 fl oz, Static Solution 2 fl
oz, Holiday Wash & Stain Bar, Stain Solution 2 fl oz, Gift Bag
On The Spot Kit 859675001542 Classic Fabric Fresh 2 fl oz, Crease Release 2 fl oz, Static Solution 2 fl
oz, Wash & Stain Bar, Stain Solution Packet 2 fl oz, Stain Solution
Packet 2 fl oz
Denim Wash & Fabric Fresh Classic Duo None Classic Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz, Denim Wash 16 fl oz
Darks Detergent Duo 859675001023 Darks Detergent 32 fl oz x2
Darks Detergent Bulk (6 Units) 859675001023 Darks Detergent 32 fl oz x6
Darks Detergent & Fabric Fresh Duo None Darks Detergent 32 fl oz, Classic Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz
Darks Detergent & Fabric Conditioner Duo None Darks Detergent 32 fl oz, Fabric Conditioner Classic 16 fl oz
Delicate Kit Holiday Edition None Delicate Spray 4 fl oz, Delicate Wash 16 fl oz, Mesh Bag Bundle,
Holiday Wash & Stain Bar
Delicate Wash Duo 859675001047 Delicate Wash 16 fl oz x2
Delicate Wash Bulk (6 Units) 859675001047 Delicate Wash 16 fl oz x6
Delicate Wash & Spray Duo None Delicate Wash 16 fl oz, Delicate Spray 4 fl oz
Delicate Kit None Delicate Wash 16 fl oz, Delicate Spray 4 fl oz, Wash & Stain Bar,
Mesh Bag Bundle
Delicate Wash & Mesh Washing Bag Duo None Delicate Wash 16 fl oz, Mesh Bag Bundle
Clean Clutch None Delicate Wash 2 fl oz, Stain Solution 2 fl oz, Classic Fabric Fresh 2 fl
oz, Crease Release 2 fl oz
Denim Wash Bulk (6 Units) 859675001580 Denim Wash 16 fl oz x6
Denim Kit None Denim Wash 16 fl oz, Classic Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz, Stain Solution 16 fl
oz, Mesh Bag Bundle
Denim Gift Bag None Denim Wash 16 fl oz, Stain Solution 16 fl oz, Classic Fabric Fresh 8 fl
oz, Gift Bag
Dish Detergent Bulk (6 Units) 859675001887 Dish Detergent 16 fl oz x6
Dish Detergent Duo 859675001887 Dish Detergent 16 fl oz, Dish Detergent 16 fl oz
Kitchen Clean Duo None Dish Detergent 16 fl oz, Kitchen Soap Bar
Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 37 of 38
Dish Detergent Flex Pack with 16 oz Glass None Dish Detergent Flex Pack 64 fl oz, Glass Pump Bottle
Pump
Fabric Conditioner Classic Duo 859675001061 Fabric Conditioner Classic 16 fl oz x2
Fabric Conditioner Bulk (6 units) 859675001061 Fabric Conditioner Classic 16 fl oz x6
Scent Discovery Kit None Gift Bag, Artisan Detergent 2 fl oz, Isle Detergent 2 fl oz, Signature
Detergent 2 fl oz, No. 723 Detergent 2 fl oz, No. 10 Detergent 2 fl
oz, Baby Detergent 2 fl oz
Glass and Mirror Cleaner Duo 859675001207 Glass & Mirror Cleaner 16 fl oz x2
Glass & Mirror Cleaner 16 fl oz Bulk (6 859675001207 Glass & Mirror Cleaner 16 fl oz x6
units)
Holiday Make Messes None Holiday Wash & Stain Bar, All Purpose Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz,
Stain Brush, Stain Solution 16 fl oz
Mini Dry Clean Kit with Holiday Bar None Holiday Wash & Stain Bar, Classic Fabric Fresh 2 fl oz, Stain Solution
2 fl oz, Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 2 fl oz, Delicate Wash 2 fl oz,
Gift Bag
Dry Cleaning Detox Kit Holiday Edition None Holiday Wash & Stain Bar, Mesh Bag Bundle, Wool & Cashmere
Shampoo 16 fl oz, Delicate Wash 16 fl oz
Travel Pack 859675001337 Hotel Laundry Bag, Crease Release 2 fl oz, Classic Fabric Fresh 2 fl
oz, Delicate Wash 2 fl oz, Stain Solution 2 fl oz, Gift Bag
Isle Signature Detergent 32 oz 857060005922 Isle Detergent 32 fl oz x6
Isle Signature Detergent and Fabric Fresh None Isle Detergent 32 fl oz, Isle Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz
John Mayer Out West Detergent and Fabric None John Mayer Out West Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz, John Mayer Out West
Fresh Duo Deteregent 16 fl oz
John Mayer Way Out West Detergent and None John Mayer Way Out West Deteregent 16 fl oz, John Mayer Way
Fabric Fresh Duo Out West Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz
Le Labo Rose and Le Labo Santal Duo None Le Labo Rose Detergent 16 fl oz, Le Labo Santal Detergent 16 fl oz
Gift Set Le Labo Rose and Le Labo Santal None Le Labo Santal Detergent 16 fl oz, Le Labo Rose Detergent 16 fl oz
Spotless Kit None Lint-Free Cleaning Cloths, Surface Cleaner 16 fl oz, Scented Vinegar
16 fl oz
Dry Cleaning Detox Kit None Mesh Bag Bundle, Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 16 fl oz, Delicate
Wash 16 fl oz, Wash & Stain Bar
Number 10 Gift Set Detergent and None No. 10 Detergent 16 fl oz, No. 10 Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz
Conditioner Duo
Number 10 Detergent and Conditioner None No. 10 Detergent 16 fl oz, No. 10 Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz
Boxed Gift Set
Number 10 Kit None No. 10 Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz, No. 10 Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz, No. 10
Detergent 16 fl oz
723 Detergent Bulk (6 units) 858114008401 No. 723 Detergent 16 fl oz x6
723 Detergent and Conditioner Duo None No. 723 Detergent 16 fl oz, No. 723 Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz
723 Gift Set Detergent and Conditioner None No. 723 Detergent 16 fl oz, No. 723 Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz
Boxed Gift Set
723 Collection None No. 723 Detergent 16 fl oz, No. 723 Fabric Conditioner 16 fl oz, No.
723 Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz
723 Gift Set Detergent and Fabric Fresh None No. 723 Detergent 16 fl oz, No. 723 Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz
Boxed Gift Set
Scented Vinegar & Dish Detergent Duo None Scented Vinegar 16 fl oz, Dish Detergent 16 fl oz
Pet Mess Kit None Scented Vinegar 16 fl oz, Stain Brush, Stain Solution 16 fl oz
Home Cleaning Starter Kit None Scented Vinegar 8 fl oz, Surface Cleaner 8 fl oz, Dish Detergent 8 fl
oz, Glass & Mirror Cleaner 8 fl oz
Home Cleaning Starter Kit - Holiday 2022 850041104188 Scented Vinegar 8 fl oz, Surface Cleaner 8 fl oz, Dish Detergent 8 fl
oz, Glass & Mirror Cleaner 8 fl oz
Signature Detergent Duo 859675001009 Signature Detergent 32 fl oz x2
Signature Detergent 32 fl oz Bulk (6 Units) 859675001009 Signature Detergent 32 fl oz x6
Clean Break Kit None Signature Detergent 32 fl oz, All Purpose Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz,
Surface Cleaner 16 fl oz, Scented Vinegar 16 fl oz
Best Sellers Kit None Signature Detergent 32 fl oz, Delicate Wash 16 fl oz, Sport
Detergent 16 fl oz, Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 16 fl oz
Signature Detergent & Fabric Conditioner None Signature Detergent 32 fl oz, Fabric Conditioner Classic 16 fl oz
Duo
Everyday Laundry Kit None Signature Detergent 32 fl oz, Stain Solution 16 fl oz, All Purpose
Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz, Classic Fabric Fresh 8 fl oz, Stain Brush
Case 1:22-cv-07468 Document 1 Filed 11/24/22 Page 38 of 38
The Pit Kit None Signature Detergent 32 fl oz, Stain Solution 16 fl oz, All Purpose
Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz, Stain Brush
Holiday Gift Kit 2022 850041104157 Signature Detergent 8 fl oz, Stain Solution 2 fl oz, Delicate Wash 2 fl
oz, Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 2 fl oz
Signature Detergent Flex Pack with 32 oz None Signature Detergent Flex Pack 64 fl oz, Signature Detergent 32 fl oz
Signature
Sport Detergent Duo 859675001917 Sport Detergent 16 fl oz x2
Sport Detergent 16 oz Bulk (6 units) 859675001917 Sport Detergent 16 fl oz x6
Sport Detergent & Spray Duo None Sport Detergent 16 fl oz, Sport Spray 4 fl oz
Sport Kit None Sport Detergent 16 fl oz, Sport Spray 4 fl oz, Mesh Bag Bundle, Wash
& Stain Bar
Sport Detergent Refill Duo None Sport Detergent Flex Pack 64 fl oz, Sport Detergent 16 fl oz
The Skimm Laundry Bundle None Stain Brush, Signature Detergent 32 fl oz, Fabric Conditioner Classic
16 fl oz, Stain Solution 16 fl oz
Stain Solution Duo 859675001603 Stain Solution 16 fl oz x2
Stain Solution Bulk (6 units) 859675001603 Stain Solution 16 fl oz x6
Today Show Bundle 2020 None Stain Solution 16 fl oz, Sport Detergent 16 fl oz, Wool & Cashmere
Shampoo 16 fl oz, Delicate Wash 16 fl oz
Clean Collar Duo None Stain Solution 16 fl oz, Wash & Stain Bar
Make Messes Kit None Stain Solution 16 fl oz, Wash & Stain Bar, All Purpose Bleach
Alternative 32 fl oz
Winter Travel Trio None Stain Solution 2 fl oz, Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 2 fl oz, Signature
Detergent 2 fl oz
Surface Cleaner Duo 859675001719 Surface Cleaner 16 fl oz x2
Surface Cleaner Bulk (6 units) 859675001719 Surface Cleaner 16 fl oz x6
Little Laundress Kit None Surface Cleaner 16 fl oz, Glass & Mirror Cleaner 16 fl oz, Dish
Detergent 16 fl oz, Scented Vinegar 16 fl oz
Surface Cleaner Flex Pack with 16 oz Glass None Surface Cleaner Flex Pack 64 fl oz, Glass Spray Bottle
Bottle
Unscented/Fragrance-Free Detergent 16 fl 859675001504 Unscented/Fragrance-Free Detergent 16 fl oz x6
oz Bulk (6 units)
Unscented/Fragrance-Free Detergent 32 oz 858114008838 Unscented/Fragrance-Free Detergent 32 fl oz x6
Bulk (6 units)
Dry Clean On-The-Go Kit None Wash & Stain Bar, Classic Fabric Fresh 2 fl oz, Stain Solution 2 fl oz,
Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 2 fl oz, Delicate Wash 2 fl oz, Gift Bag
Laundry Essentials Pack None Wash & Stain Bar, Delicate Wash 2 fl oz, Classic Fabric Fresh 2 fl oz,
Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 2 fl oz, Stain Solution 2 fl oz, Gift Bag
The Laundress Welcome Kit None Wash & Stain Bar, Signature Detergent 2 fl oz, Classic Fabric Fresh 2
fl oz, Crease Release 2 fl oz
Whites Detergent Duo 859675001016 Whites Detergent 32 fl oz x2
Whites Detergent 32 fl oz Bulk (6 units) 859675001016 Whites Detergent 32 fl oz x6
Brighten Up Duo None Whites Detergent 32 fl oz, All Purpose Bleach Alternative 32 fl oz
Whites and Darks Duo None Whites Detergent 32 fl oz, Darks Detergent 32 fl oz
Seasonal Whites Detergent and Fabric None Whites Detergent 32 fl oz, Fabric Conditioner Classic 16 fl oz
Conditioner Duo
Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 16 fl oz Bulk (6 859675001054 Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 16 fl oz x6
units)
Wool and Cashmere Kit None Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 16 fl oz, Stain Solution 16 fl oz, Wool &
Cashmere Spray 4 fl oz, Sweater Comb
Wool & Cashmere Shampoo & Wool & None Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 16 fl oz, Wool & Cashmere Spray 4 fl
Cashmere Spray Duo oz
Wool and Cashmere Kit None Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 16 fl oz, Wool & Cashmere Spray 4 fl
oz, Mesh Bag Bundle
The Laundress Starter Kit None Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 8 fl oz, Delicate Wash 8 fl oz, Signature
Detergent 8 fl oz, Stain Solution 8 fl oz
Laundry Starter Kit - Holiday 2022 850041104195 Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 8 fl oz, Delicate Wash 8 fl oz, Signature
Detergent 8 fl oz, Stain Solution 8 fl oz