Influencer Faces Court Over Instagram Promotions

Social Media Star’s Legal Battle Intensifies

The influencer world is watching as Rym Renom confronts accusations of misleading practices on Instagram. The Versailles prosecutor seeks a five-month suspended prison sentence and a substantial fine due to her promotional activities, raising questions about transparency in online marketing.

The Charges Against Rym Renom

Rym Renom, a social media personality with almost two million followers, is accused of promoting various products, including clothing and beauty items, without clearly disclosing that she received payment for these endorsements. The alleged offenses occurred between May and November 2022 in the Yvelines region.

Additionally, she is criticized for publicizing the benefits of subcutaneous injections in her Instagram stories. These procedures, however, were not carried out by a medical professional, which has drawn legal scrutiny.

Legal History and Arrest

Facing these charges, Renom, who resides in Bali, Indonesia, was previously sentenced in absentia to one year in prison. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued. The 34-year-old influencer, maintaining she was unaware of the initial trial, contested the judgment.

Her arrest occurred in May upon her arrival at Roissy airport. Following this, she was placed under judicial supervision and restricted from leaving France pending a new trial.

The Defense and Prosecution Arguments

During the hearing, Rym Renom argued that her followers could distinguish between her personal and commercial posts, especially with promotional codes. However, the population protection departments and consumer fraud agencies disagree, sparking legal proceedings.

Regarding the injections, Renom admitted that she should have “better informed” and “pay more attention”, while disputing any intent to deceive. Her lawyer, Me Margaux Mathieu, requested her release, pointing out that her client had already received an administrative sanction, which she had to publish on her Instagram account. She also argued that her client had “corrected her behavior” after being sanctioned.

The prosecution, in contrast, views the blurring of personal and commercial content as a “violation of the trust pact” between the influencer and her followers. The court’s decision is anticipated on July 8th.