A ’boutique’ cosmetic clinic has launched legal action against a customer who left it a one-star review on Google.
Edina Logo, 25, left the brutal review after visiting CitySlim and Laser Clinic in Melbourne’s CBD in late December, 2024.
In her lengthy post, which remains online, Ms Logo accused the clinic of recommending unnecessary procedures for her ‘sagging’ face – which came with a hefty price tag – and recommended she go on a restrictive diet.
CitySlim and Laser Clinic has disagreed with Ms Logo’s perception of her experience and is suing her for defamation, demanding the young woman remove her review, write an apology and pay $2,200.
Ms Logo’s review described her alleged ‘very disappointing’ experience at the clinic following 10 endermologie sessions, a non-invasive procedure to improve skin firmness.
The 25-year-old also took aim at the clinic’s owner, Leila Fathabad, for not consulting with her personally and claimed she was often left under the care of ‘trainees’.
‘On the rare occasions I did see Leila, her focus seemed to be on criticising my appearance and upselling additional treatments,’ Ms Logo wrote.
‘As a 25-year-old woman, being told my face is sagging and that I need facial sessions alongside my other treatments felt inappropriate and unnecessary.’
Edina Logo (pictured) left a one-star Google review for Melbourne’s CitySlim and Laser Clinic following a session in December which has since sparked a legal row
She also disagreed with the amount of repeated visits the business recommended.
‘The suggestion of needing 60 sessions to address my fibrosis, which would have cost me $22,680, was simply outrageous.
‘…You deserve a service that values your well-being, not one that preys on insecurities.’ Ms Logo said in her review to other customers.
The clinic replied to Ms Logo’s essay, writing that its team was ‘genuinely shocked’ by the one-star rating.
‘You consistently expressed satisfaction with our services until your last visit,’ it argued.
‘Since you declined to discuss this with us privately, we feel it’s important to clarify your treatment journey and address any inaccuracies.
‘At CitySlim Clinic, we prioritise our client’s care and well-being.
‘We do not tolerate false claims toward our team of professionals working in the most trusted accredited Endermologie LPG France Clinic in Australia.’
The clinic went on to share an in-depth breakdown of all the procedures Ms Logo underwent at CitySlim and denied accusations she was attended to by trainees and recommended additional treatments.
Ms Logo claimed staff at the clinic (pictured) told her to ‘lose weight’ and recommended she go on a restrictive diet
‘Given the above facts, we’re concerned that your review does not reflect the care or professionalism you received. We kindly request that you contact us directly to resolve any outstanding concerns,’ the business wrote.
Ms Logo then hit back at the clinic’s response on the Google review thread.
‘Claiming that I was consistently satisfied with your services is a stretch. Just because I didn’t voice my frustrations to your face doesn’t mean I was happy,’ she said.
‘You should know that not everyone feels comfortable addressing issues directly, especially when they arise from a lack of professionalism.
‘…Let’s not forget the advice I received during my time at your clinic. Telling me to lose weight, eat only 1,500 calories a day, and cut out certain food groups is not only unhelpful but also irresponsible.
‘I’m not here to slander your business; I simply want others to be aware of my experience.’
A writ filed to Victoria’s County Court last month, seen by the Herald Sun, sought ‘aggravated damages’ and legal costs from Ms Logo over her review.
‘We believe you have committed an actionable defamation against our clients (CitySlim Clinic and Ms Fathabad),’ a concerns notice addressed to Ms Logo read.
The clinic’s legal representation claimed Ms Logo suggested the business hired ‘unqualified staff’, engaged in unethical behaviour, attempted to upsell unnecessary treatments and exploited customers.
CitySlim and Laser Clinic (pictured) denied Ms Logo’s claims and is suing her for defamation
While parts of Ms Logo’s review were included in the legal documents, the clinic’s response was omitted.
CitySlim and Laser Clinic advertises itself as a ‘premier boutique clinic’ which specialises in endermologie treatments.
‘We specialise in offering advanced, cutting-edge treatments using the latest world-class technologies,’ its website states.
According to University of Western Australia senior law lecturer Michael Douglas, online reviews if detailing a genuine experience or an honest opinion are protected.
However, reviews which are written for the sole purpose of damaging a business’s reputation could be subject to defamation action.
The platforms that host fake or defamatory reviews can also be held liable courtesy of a previous court decision in Australia.
Google reviews are used by millions of people internationally to rate businesses, but there has been pressure by authorities for years to increase its regulation and ensure reviews are legitimate.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned that if platforms do not remove reviews that have been proven to be fake they risk breaching the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Fines of up to $1million can apply, the ACCC said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted CitySlim and Laser Clinic and attempted to contact Ms Logo for further comment.
