Maeva Ghennam Sentenced for Deceptive Commercial Practices: A Year of Suspended Sentence

October 10, 2025

Paris, France – Influencer Maeva Ghennam, known for her presence on reality television and social media, has been handed a one-year suspended prison sentence and a 150,000 euro fine by a Paris criminal court. The judgement, delivered today, stems from instances of deceptive commercial practices spanning from January 2020 to November 2023.

The Case Against The Social Media Star

Ghennam, a 28-year-old residing in Dubai and boasting over 3 million Instagram followers and 2.5 million Snapchat subscribers, faced accusations of misleading her audience through undisclosed sponsored content.the Court found that she promoted a range of products, including beauty enhancements and financial schemes, without transparently revealing her financial incentives. These products included creams promising rapid physical transformations, slimming teas, and hair regrowth remedies.

The Court detailed how Ghennam advertised financial products and sports betting, suggesting “guaranteed winnings” while failing to disclose potential risks.She also promoted beauty treatments and products, alongside clothing items, without indicating that she was compensated for her endorsements. Court records show that her promotional videos could earn her up to 1,500 euros each,potentially generating a monthly income exceeding 60,000 euros.

Legal Proceedings And Influencer Response

Despite being unable to physically attend the hearing due to a reported travel restriction from the United Arab Emirates – the specifics of which were not revealed by her legal counsel – Ghennam’s lawyer, Ilyacine Maallaoui, was present. Prior to the sentencing, Ghennam declined an earlier proposed settlement with the French fraud repression agency (DGCCRF), which woudl have resulted in a fine of 120,000 euros.

during the proceedings, Ghennam admitted to occasionally becoming “excited” in her product promotions and confessed to not having personally invested in some of the financial offerings she endorsed. This admission, however, did not sway the court’s decision.

Growing Regulation of Influencer marketing

This case reflects a broader trend of increased regulation targeting influencer marketing. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been actively pursuing cases against influencers who fail to comply with disclosure guidelines, and similar actions are now unfolding across Europe. In June 2023,France enacted a law requiring influencers to have a legal representative based within the European Union when engaging in product promotion.

This sentencing follows a similar case in July,where influencer Rym Renom,based in Bali,Indonesia,received a one-year suspended sentence and a 25,000 euro fine for comparable deceptive practices.

Influencer	location	Sentence	Fine
Maeva Ghennam	Dubai, UAE	1-year Suspended Prison Sentence	150,000 Euros
Rym Renom	Bali, Indonesia	1-year Suspended Prison Sentence	25,000 Euros

Did You Know? The French law governing influencer activity requires them to clearly indicate when content is an advertisement using hashtags like #ad or #sponsored.

Pro Tip: Consumers should always be skeptical of endorsements from influencers and conduct their own research before purchasing products or services promoted online.

The Evolving Landscape of Influencer Accountability

The increasing legal scrutiny of influencer marketing signals a meaningful shift in how social media endorsements are viewed. What was once a largely unregulated space is now subject to stricter oversight, forcing influencers to prioritize clarity and honesty in their promotional activities. This trend is likely to continue, with regulators worldwide seeking to protect consumers from misleading advertising. The rise of “de-influencing” – content creators actively discouraging consumption – also suggests a growing consumer awareness of potentially deceptive marketing tactics.

Frequently Asked questions About Influencer Marketing & Regulation

• What is deceptive marketing by influencers? It involves failing to disclose a financial relationship between an influencer and a brand when promoting a product or service.
• What are the penalties for deceptive influencer marketing? Penalties can include fines, suspended prison sentences, and legal action from consumers.
• Why are regulations for influencers increasing? regulations are increasing to protect consumers from misleading advertising and ensure transparency in online marketing.
• What should consumers look for when viewing sponsored content? consumers should look for clear disclosures like #ad or #sponsored to identify sponsored content.
• Is influencer marketing still effective? Yes, but it is indeed becoming increasingly crucial for influencers to be clear and authentic to maintain trust with their audience.

what are your thoughts on the increased regulation of influencer marketing? Do you think these changes will lead to more honest advertising on social media platforms?

What specific legal regulations regarding influencer clarity did Maeva Ghennam violate?

the Case against Maeva ghennam: A Breakdown of the Charges

Reality TV personality Maeva Ghennam,known for her appearances on Les Marseillais and Les Ch’tis vs. Les Marseillais, has been handed a one-year suspended sentence by the Aix-en-provence Criminal Court. the sentencing stems from accusations of deceptive commercial practices related to her involvement with aesthetic procedures and product endorsements. The core of the case revolves around allegations that Ghennam promoted and profited from treatments she hadn’t personally undergone, misleading her followers and customers. This falls under the broader category of influencer marketing regulations and the increasing scrutiny of social media endorsements.

Specific Allegations and Evidence Presented

The prosecution focused on Ghennam’s promotion of aesthetic procedures, specifically lip fillers and teeth whitening, through her social media channels.Key evidence included:

* False Advertising: Claims that Ghennam presented results as her own when the procedures were actually performed on models or were digitally altered using tools like Photopea (https://www.photopea.com/).

* Lack of Transparency: Failure to clearly disclose sponsored content and partnerships with aesthetic clinics, violating French advertising laws regarding influencer transparency.

* Misleading Claims: Exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness and safety of the promoted procedures.

* Financial Gain: Evidence demonstrating Ghennam’s direct financial benefit from the increased clientele generated by her endorsements.

The court heard testimony from individuals who claimed to have undergone procedures based on Ghennam’s recommendations, only to be dissatisfied with the results.This highlighted the potential harm caused by false influencer endorsements.

The Court’s Decision and Suspended Sentence Explained

The court found Ghennam guilty of deceptive marketing practices and sentenced her to one year of suspended imprisonment. This means she will not serve time in prison unless she commits another crime within a specified period (typically five years). The sentence also includes a fine of €10,000 and an order to remove all misleading content from her social media platforms.

A suspended sentence is a common outcome in cases involving first-time offenders and non-violent crimes. The court likely considered Ghennam’s lack of prior criminal record and the potential for rehabilitation when handing down the sentence. The ruling serves as a warning to other influencers about the legal consequences of misleading advertising.

Implications for Influencer Marketing in France

This case marks a significant moment in the regulation of influencer marketing in France. It underscores the importance of:

* Clear Disclosure: Influencers must clearly and conspicuously disclose sponsored content using hashtags like #ad, #sponsored, or #partenariat.

* Truthful Portrayal: Endorsements must be based on genuine experiences and honest opinions. Presenting fabricated results or misleading claims is illegal.

* Due diligence: Influencers have a responsibility to verify the claims made by the brands they promote and ensure the safety and efficacy of the products or services they endorse.

* Compliance with Advertising Laws: influencers must adhere to the same advertising regulations as traditional businesses.

The direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes (DGCCRF), the French consumer protection agency, has been actively monitoring influencer activity and cracking down on deceptive practices. This case demonstrates their willingness to pursue legal action against those who violate the rules.

The Rise of Legal Challenges Against Influencers: A Global Trend

Ghennam’s case isn’t isolated. Across the globe,influencers are facing increasing legal scrutiny for misleading advertising,undisclosed sponsorships,and promoting harmful products.

* United States: The Federal Trade commission (FTC) has issued guidelines and taken enforcement actions against influencers for failing to disclose sponsored content.

* United Kingdom: The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regulates influencer marketing and has issued rulings against influencers for misleading advertising.

* Australia: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has also been active in enforcing truth in advertising standards for influencers.

This global trend reflects a growing awareness of the power of influencer marketing and the need to protect consumers from deceptive practices.

Protecting Yourself as a Consumer: identifying Misleading Influencer Content

Consumers can take steps to protect themselves from misleading influencer endorsements:

* Look for Disclosures: Always check for clear disclosures indicating sponsored content.

* Be Skeptical: Don’t automatically believe everything you see online. Consider the source and potential biases.

* Do Your Research: Before purchasing a product or service based on an influencer’s advice, do your own research and read reviews from other sources.

* Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect an influencer is engaging in deceptive practices, report it to the relevant consumer protection agency.