Monique Rodriguez Says Competition Paid For Negative Reviews
Mielle Organics founder Monique Rodriguez is once again addressing allegations surrounding the brand’s Rosemary Mint Oil and Shampoo. Back in September, rumors started to spread on TikTok, with some users claiming they experienced hair loss after using the popular products. Rodriguez quickly responded, reassuring her followers that both items were “safe and effective.”
Source: WWD / Getty
Now, in a new Instagram video posted on Nov. 23, Rodriguez provided further clarity on the situation. She revealed that a well-known digital influencer had been paid to spread misleading information about the products by “a competitor” to ruin Mielle’s reputation.
“This creator was earning a commission to promote a competitor’s product while spreading misinformation about our products for their own personal gain. And unfortunately, some who joined in on those conversations seemed to have ulterior motives as well,” Rodriguez shared.
“Out of respect for everyone involved, we tried to handle the situation quietly, but it has reached a point to where I feel it’s important to be transparent with you all.”
Without naming the influencer, Rodriguez shared that the video responsible for sparking the rumor had been removed from social media. She explained that this action was necessary to help people “understand the truth” and to combat the spread of “misinformation” about the brand online in the future.
“It is very disheartening because I have always operated with a spirit of believing that there is room for everyone to win, but unfortunately not everyone shares that same belief,” the Mielle founder added, before reassuring fans that the brand’s producers were “safe.”
“They are based on consistent formulas, sourcing, and processes. And they are used and loved by millions of satisfied customers every day without a problem,” she concluded.
After sharing her video and this development, Rodrigeuz has been flooded with support from Mielle users and celebs like LeToya Luckett, who wrote;
“One thing about that truth, it will ALWAYS make it way to the light. proud of you Mo!”
Former The Real co-host Adrienne Bailon also sent support the Mielle Founder’s way.
“So proud of all that you have accomplished with @mielleorganics & I’ve been a fan from the beginning & still am! May God continue to bless you.”
More on the flip.
Black Women Across TikTok Claimed They Experienced Hair Loss, TikToker Speaks Out
The source of the eyebrow-raising rumor remains unclear. Back in September, a TikTok user and influencer named Danesha Mo’Nék went viral after she claimed that her hair fell out after using Mielle Organics’ Rosemary Mint Hair Growth Oil, along with the brand’s Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner.
@daneshamonek My hair aint NEVERRRRRR it only started doung this when I began to yse this product… yeah im going back to sulfer8 products!!!
Initially drawn to the brand by glowing celebrity endorsements, Danesha said she used the Rosemary & Mint Hair Strengthening Conditioner, shampoo, and growth oil for several months. However, she claimed her scalp became inflamed and “on fire” and that her hair began to fall out in clumps in the months following, which led to similar complaints from other Black women online.
Another influencer, @Laura_BeautyCoach, was highly cited on social media amid speculation that the brand was facing litigation for altering the formula of its products with harmful chemicals.
However, in a response video shared in September, Rodriguez firmly denied these claims, insisting that the ingredients had remained unchanged while noting that there was no pending litigation.
Upon the release of Monique Rodriguez’s latest video about an influencer being paid off, @Laura_BeautyCoach, who some speculated could be the alleged culprit who conspired with the brand’s competition.
The TikToker said, however, that Monique Rodriguez could’ve been talking about anyone, not her.
“When y’all see a video that actually tags me, y’all send that to me—I wanna see that video,” said the TikToker to her over 100K followers. “There were many videos and many video creators, I’m just curious to know how my name got connected to this,”she added calling the brand’s response damage control.
@laura_beautycoach
In her comments, she also responded to a follower who asked if she was paid off, saying,
“Who are the competitors? Did she say? Also, did she mentioned [sic] which creator?? Or what videos? Because there were many!!
She’s since responded with a video categorically denying being paid to damage the Mielle Organics brand.
@laura_beautycoach Replying to @primmbella You must have missed the LIVE… This will be the last time I address this. Let’s get back to promoting the REAL black owned businesses!! We got work to do in 2025 family!!
Mielle Is Teaming Up With Hampton University’s Women’s Basketball Team
Monique Rodriguez’s video about a competitor trying to sabotage her comes as Mielle Organics prepares to launch a major multi-year partnership with the Hampton University women’s basketball team. Mielle Organics reports that its partnership underscores its commitment to empowering women in sports and promoting excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Under the joint initiative, Mielle will make an initial donation of $200,000 to the school’s basketball program.
According to a press release, the company will establish a $100,000 endowed scholarship to support student-athletes through its philanthropic arm, Mielle Cares. Additionally, the collaboration will include a WNBA-led mentorship program designed to foster leadership and personal development, both on and off the court.
“We’re thrilled to announce our multi-year partnership with the Hampton University Lady Pirates basketball team,” said Rodriguez in a statement. “As champions of women in sports and HBCU excellence, we’re pleased to support these trailblazing athletes who continue to break barriers and are credited with the most NCAA tournament appearances among HBCU women’s basketball programs! We are proud collaborators in empowering the next generation of athletes who will shape the future with confidence and pride in their textured hair. Let’s Go Pirates!”
What do you think of this latest news surrounding Mielle?
