'RHOC' Star Shannon Beador Sues Instagram Over Alleged Diet Supplement Scam

'RHOC' star Shannon Beador has filed a lawsuit against Instagram and its parent company, Facebook, after allegedly finding her picture was fraudulently being used on the platforms to sell a diet supplement.

According to legal documents, obtained by The Blast, the 'Real Housewives Of Orange County' star says in May of 2021 she was made aware of a third party that was selling a diet supplement on both social media platforms. The problem is she says the "fraudulent sellers" were using her image to sell the products.

"As a result of this notification, Beador conducted her own investigation which revealed, thus far, no less than 15 fraudulent sellers, advertising using her name, image, and likeness," the filing states.

It continues, "In the course of her investigation, Beador learned that one individual, had posted a link to such fraudulent advertisement for diet supplements and used her name, image, and/or likeness to the same market." Adding, "As a result of this scam, many people in the general public, who fell victim to this scam by believing they were purchasing a real product that was endorsed by Plaintiff, responded by posting negative statements about (her), despite the fact Plaintiff received no money for the transaction or endorsement, and was in fact unaware of, and not involved at all, with the transaction."

In the lawsuit, Beador points out that her "livelihood" involves endorsing products online, and this alleged scheme is resulting in her "degradation" and undermining her entire career.

If you are a fan of the show, you know that many of the stars promote products on their Instagram pages -- including supplements involving a healthy lifestyle. Beador included examples of the fraudulent advertisements in her lawsuit and pointed out at least one individual who is spreading the links.

In the end, Beador is asking for "a permanent injunction, restraining and enjoining (them) from continuing the acts of unfair competition." Plus, she is asking that all money earned with the fake advertisements be handed over to the reality star.

The lawsuit comes on the heels of Beador making headlines for her parting gift to former co-star, Kelly Dodd, who left the popular reality show. Shannon sent Kelly, and her husband Rick Leventhal a huge bottle of booze after the news broke of her departure. "Thank you! Thank you, Shannon Beador," Kelly wrote on Instagram as she hands the bottle to he husband.

“Thank you, thank you for giving me my parting gift, my love. It’s OK, it’s already out there,” she added, addressing the news she will no longer appear on the show.