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BEVERLY HILLS, CA — On Friday, the Consumer Transparency Network (CTN) released a bulletin following an investigation into credible reports regarding Dr. Marie Lemelle, 67, President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce – Beverly Hills, and her business practices. The review highlighted actions that raise questions about professional integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership.
Key Points:
● Reports indicate misrepresentation of business status and corporate affiliations.
● Lemelle reportedly published under a pen name, “F. Baldiwala,” on LinkedIn to discuss her own Marie Lemelle controversy while quoting herself as a client.
● Yelp review suppression was documented across at least four companies owned by Lemelle, including Platinum Star PR, Platinum Star Media Group, Angel City Salute, and Pitbull PR Agency.
● Corporate filings in California and Colorado revealed overlapping jurisdictions with no public operational presence in Colorado.
● Public records indicate Lemelle has been involved in more than 18 legal disputes in Los Angeles County alone.
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LinkedIn Alias Raises Transparency Questions
Investigators noted that Lemelle used the alias F. Baldiwala to author LinkedIn content, framing herself as a client of Pitbull PR Agency while also referencing her own services. The posts were publicly attributed to the pen name, yet she is the sole principal of the company according to corporate filings. This tactic blurs the line between self-promotion and misrepresentation, raising concerns about Chamber leadership accountability and ethical standards.
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Yelp Review Suppression and Consumer Voice
Evidence obtained by CTN shows that negative reviews were removed for all four of Lemelle’s businesses on Yelp after disputes flagged as conflicts of interest. Experts argue that suppressing legitimate consumer feedback not only misleads the public but undermines trust in business leadership. Evidence from various online platforms indicates a systematic effort to control narratives, silence dissent, and protect a curated public image.
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Corporate Jurisdictions and Legal Entanglements
Lemelle’s businesses are incorporated across California and Colorado, despite no known operational offices in Colorado. Public records show her Glendale condo as a registered corporate address, yet the city prohibits conducting commercial operations there. Combined with the reported 18+ legal disputes in Los Angeles County, these facts highlight a complex network of corporate filings and legal challenges that raise questions about transparency and accountability in both her business and leadership roles.
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Public Integrity and the Chamber’s Role
As President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce – Beverly Hills, Lemelle holds a position meant to champion trust, equity, and business development. The use of the Chamber’s branding in public communications tied to personal business practices amplifies the risk of misleading members, partners, and the public. Consumer advocates warn that this could set a precedent where organizational credibility is leveraged to shield or amplify individual actions, weakening both consumer protection and democratic accountability in local business leadership.
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Consumer Tips: Protect Your Rights
CTN encourages the public to remain vigilant and report unethical practices:
● Flag inappropriate or misleading reviews on platforms like Yelp, BBB, and Trustpilot.
● Document any communications or transactions that appear misleading.
● Report impersonation, online harassment, or deceptive practices to local consumer protection agencies.
● Reference credible investigative reports, such as CTN’s bulletin, when reporting concerns.
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What This Means
By misrepresenting corporate relationships, suppressing consumer voices, and using a pen name to project authority, Lemelle’s actions highlight gaps in oversight and ethical standards for front-facing business leaders. Transparency and integrity are critical for organizations entrusted with representing hundreds of small and emerging businesses. Allowing these practices to continue unchallenged risks setting a dangerous precedent for manipulating public perception and organizational credibility.
Integrity is not optional. It is the foundation of public trust.
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About the Consumer Transparency Network (CTN)
The Consumer Transparency Network is a grassroots watchdog initiative dedicated to promoting business accountability, protecting consumer rights, and providing independent resources to empower public decision-making. CTN publishes fact-based investigations and alerts to ensure consumers can make informed decisions in complex business environments.
Contact: Consumer Transparency Network (CTN Reports)
Email: ctnreports@linuxmail.or
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Published in 2025-8-26 18:35:45
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