Gwyneth’s Goop pays out $145k over ‘dangerous’ jade energy egg
Increased risk of toxic shock syndrome
‘Lack of good science’
GWYNETH Paltrow’s lifestyle company Goop has agreed to pay out $145,000 (€125,000) after doctors branded an egg claimed to boost women’s energy levels as ‘ridiculous and dangerous’.
The Avengers star, 45, had insisted the $66 Jade Egg would improve female energy if kept in the vagina all day.
Goop claimed the egg would help women achieve orgasms, improve vaginal muscle tone, balance hormones and raise ‘feminine energy’.
But gynaecologists said it could increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis or deadly toxic shock syndrome.
The Oscar-winning actress’s brand agreed the $145,000 payout to settle allegations it made unscientific claims about the benefits of three products. It will also offer refunds to women who purchased the egg.
The company’s Jade Egg, Rose Quartz Egg, and Inner Judge Flower Essence Blend were pinpointed by standards watchdogs in California.
A lawsuit was filed by ten American state counties alleging Goop did not have scientific backing for the touted health benefits of its line of vaginal eggs.
Dr Jen Gunter was among health expert calling the eggs dangerous and ridiculous. She said Goop claims were a ‘pile of garbage’ and ‘quite simply, biologically impossible.’ Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: ‘We will vigilantly protect consumers against companies that promise health benefits without the support of good science – or any science.’ District Attorney Nancy O’Malley added: ‘False claims that assure consumers of specific health outcomes can put the public at risk.’ In addition to the settlement, Goop agreed to stop making claims about the eggs’ effectiveness. Goop, based in Santa Monica, California, said it disagreed with the prosecutors’ position but wanted to settle the matter quickly. In a previous open letter to Paltrow, Dr Gunter said: ‘Pelvic floor exercises can help with incontinence and even give stronger orgasms for women, but they cannot change hormones.
‘As for female energy? I’m a gynaecologist and I don’t know what that is. How does one test for it? Organically sourced, fairtrade urine pH sticks coming soon to Goop for $77, I presume?’
The eggs are among a number of bizarre health products promoted on the star’s website.
Focusing on ‘holistic health and well-being’, Goop has been criticised by doctors for promoting products with little-to-no scientific backing.
Goop made another bold claim for vaginal steaming, which it said would help cleanse the body’s insides and ‘balance energy levels’.
But health experts said it would leave users at risk of burns, with hot steam potentially damaging the lining between the bladder and the rectum.
Goop also promoted ‘apitherapy’ – which involves allowing yourself to be stung by bees. A Spanish woman, 55, died after developing anaphylactic shock from a severe reaction to bee stings.
She had been undergoing the treatment once a month for two years.
After the settlement, Erica Moore, of Goop, said: ‘Goop provides a forum for practitioners to present their views and experiences with various products like the Jade Egg.
‘The law, though, sometimes views statements like this as advertising claims, which are subject to various legal requirements.’