A fitness influencer’s empowering message turned into a legal battle with a major activewear brand. This is the story of Georgina Cox, a personal trainer from Middlesbrough, and her experience with Sweaty Betty, a well-known women’s activewear company. It’s a tale of a slogan, a settlement, and a fight for recognition and fair treatment.
Georgina, known for her body-positive Instagram posts, created the slogan “Wear The Damn Shorts” to encourage women to embrace their bodies. But here’s where it gets controversial: Sweaty Betty allegedly used her phrase in their marketing campaigns without proper credit.
Initially, Georgina was contacted and paid £3,500 to promote the campaign on social media. However, the situation took a turn when the company allegedly used the slogan in a subsequent campaign without her involvement or acknowledgment. This left Georgina feeling hurt and disempowered, especially since the brand’s message is all about empowering women.
After expressing her concerns, Georgina’s lawyer sent a legal “cease and desist” letter. However, the response she received reportedly described her as “bitter.” Adding insult to injury, she was threatened with legal action for defamation after speaking out about the situation online. The stress took a toll on her, causing physical and mental health issues.
Sweaty Betty offered a final settlement of £4,000, but with a catch. The agreement stipulated that Georgina would allow the company to continue using the slogan, refrain from challenging its use, and keep the terms of the settlement confidential.
The company claims the slogan has been part of its campaign for three years and that they respect Georgina’s association with it. They also stated they have been in regular contact with her since she raised her concerns.
But here’s the kicker: Georgina wants an apology and a commitment from the company to fairly compensate the influencers they work with. This raises important questions about intellectual property, brand ethics, and the treatment of creators in the digital age. What do you think? Do you believe Sweaty Betty acted fairly? Should companies be more transparent and respectful of the creators whose work they use? Share your thoughts in the comments below!