Some influencers will go to great lengths to protect their reputation, even when it leads to controversy. A California influencer is currently facing backlash after allegedly threatening a TikToker with legal action. The problem, however, is that the lawyer she referenced does not appear to exist.
The situation began when the influencer, identified as Leah, reportedly agreed with a restaurant to receive free food in exchange for promotional content. According to the claims, she brought a large group with her, and they all ate without paying. Afterward, she allegedly failed to post the promised promotional content.
A TikToker known as @daadisnacks later shared a video accusing her of taking advantage of the deal. After the situation was exposed online, Leah reportedly responded by taking more drastic steps.
After being exposed, the influencer allegedly had her “lawyer” contact the TikToker and demand that he remove the video or face a defamation lawsuit. However, it was later discovered that there was no lawyer named Ryan Sauter and no firm called Sauter Law Group in Los Angeles, California, as was claimed. The TikToker said he was able to uncover this as well and plans to report the situation to the proper authorities.
The clip sparked a broader conversation online about how far some influencers are willing to go to protect their reputation. Many people pointed out that the situation appeared to show someone trying to avoid taking accountability or offering an apology. Instead of helping her case, the alleged use of a fake attorney only led to more criticism, with several commenters noting that impersonating a lawyer could have legal consequences.
People Reacting to the California Influencer Creating a Fake Lawyer
Many people were shocked that the California influencer allegedly created a fake lawyer with a fake address. Because impersonating an attorney is illegal, many commenters focused on that detail. “oop that’s a crime! Signed, an actual lawyer,” one person wrote.
Another commenter who said they were a lawyer reacted similarly, writing, “As a lawyer …. Holy [expletive]‼!”
Others were also stunned by the situation. “Impersonated an attorney IN PRINT??? Bruuuh,” one netizen commented.
Some people even offered help to the TikToker who exposed the situation. When someone told him, “I used to work at the State Bar of CA. If you need any help, lmk!,” he replied, “thank you‼ they’re working on a report right now.”
Several commenters also mocked the influencer for what they described as a poorly thought-out plan. “the law offices of Chat Gpt,” one person wrote.
Others argued that even a real lawyer might not have helped her case. “Is no one going to mention the fact that you can’t sue someone for defamation if it’s true,” someone said. Another person added, “Also I thought defamation was if it wasn’t true, which based off your receipts it’s clearly true, so…”
One commenter also offered advice to the TikToker, writing, “You can report a fake attorney or fraudulent legal letter to the State Bar of California, and any actual threats should be reported to local law enforcement. If the scam involves fraud or impersonation, the California Attorney General’s Office also accepts complaints.”
Many people said the situation could have been avoided if the influencer had simply taken accountability and apologized. Instead, some believe the situation may now lead to more serious consequences.
