Need to Know:
- The Consumer Transparency Network (CTN) released a bulletin on Friday, August 22, 2025, highlighting credible accounts of questionable business practices by Marie Lemelle, 67, President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce – Beverly Hills.
- Allegations include suppression of consumer reviews on Yelp for multiple companies, publication under a LinkedIn alias, and the use of Chamber branding in ways that align the organization with her personal actions.
- Lemelle’s business entities, including Pitbull PR Agency, Platinum Star PR, Platinum Star Media Group, and Angel City Salute, are all registered in Colorado, with several filed as out-of-state corporations in California.
- Over 18 legal cases in Los Angeles County alone have involved Lemelle, mostly contract disputes, raising questions about professional conduct and transparency.
- The pattern of online activity and business filings has raised concerns among business owners, consumers, and industry observers about integrity and ethical leadership.
Corporate Filings Raise Jurisdiction Questions
Investigations by CTN and other observers revealed that Lemelle’s four business entities operate primarily under Colorado jurisdiction while maintaining out-of-state filings in California. Public records indicate that her Glendale, CA condo serves as the official office for these companies. However, local municipal records show she is not authorized to conduct business at this residential property beyond the limits of a home-office license. Experts note this discrepancy may confuse consumers and stakeholders regarding the legitimacy of her operations and the boundaries of Chamber oversight.
Online Review Suppression and Reputation Management
Yelp correspondence confirmed that reviews critical of Lemelle’s companies were removed in 2025, signaling a systematic approach to controlling public perception. CTN reviewed multiple online platforms and identified patterns of:
- Removing legitimate negative reviews.
- Creating or amplifying positive reviews to counter criticism.
- Using aliases to post content that discredits critics, including paying customers.
- Amplifying the reach of personal narratives while associating them with Chamber authority.
Consumer advocacy groups warn that these actions, when tied to a Chamber leader, threaten transparency and public trust.
LinkedIn Alias Raises Ethics Questions
Lemelle reportedly authored a LinkedIn article under the pseudonym F. Baldiwala, quoting herself and referencing her company to promote narratives that discredit a former client she had previously promoted. This activity has been widely cited by observers as a misuse of organizational branding, as the Chamber is presented alongside these statements, potentially implying institutional endorsement of her actions.
Legal Entanglements and Professional Scrutiny
Lemelle is connected to more than 18 legal cases in Los Angeles County alone, primarily involving contract disputes with clients or vendors. While civil disputes do not constitute criminal activity, multiple legal entanglements paired with review suppression and online misrepresentation have prompted calls for independent scrutiny of her professional ethics and business conduct.
Implications for the California Black Chamber of Commerce
Observers note that allowing these practices to continue without oversight may set a dangerous precedent, where:
- Business leaders can manipulate public platforms and organizational branding for personal gain.
- Consumer trust and Chamber credibility are weakened.
- A cycle of intimidation and misrepresentation becomes normalized in professional organizations.
Consumer Tips:
- Flag suspicious or removed reviews on platforms such as Yelp or Google.
- Report deceptive business practices to the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Verify company registrations through California and Colorado Secretary of State portals.
- Maintain caution when interacting with businesses operated by the same individual across multiple websites, especially if they list prominent organizational titles.
Closing – Setting a Dangerous Precedent
Allowing Ms. Lemelle’s cycle of disturbing business conduct, online misrepresentation, and intimidation tactics to continue unchallenged risks transforming the Chamber’s executive leadership into a model for rejecting transparency. This weakens consumer trust protections, opens doors to manipulative practices across online and organizational channels, and undermines the democratic principles that chambers of commerce are meant to copyright.
About the Consumer Transparency Network (CTN):
The Consumer Transparency Network is a grassroots watchdog initiative committed to promoting business accountability, protecting consumer rights, and providing independent resources to empower public decision-making.
Contact:
Consumer Transparency Network (CTN Reports)
Email: [email protected]