[imagesource:melviljoen/facebook]

US-based nail entrepreneur, Tammy Taylor, has her claws out for ‘famous’ local couple Melany and Peet Viljoen, whom she claims ‘stole her brand name and sold fake franchises‘.

Taylor filed a lawsuit on 2 April 2024 against the Viljoens and is seeking $100 million (R1.8 billion) in damages from them.

The Viljoens however claim that they worked “hand-in-hand” with Taylor to build their brand alongside hers, saying ‘”It was a collaborative effort and Tammy herself strongly encouraged us to use her identity and content, which initially suited our needs as a brand.”

Melany also claimed that Taylor did not even have her own lab, and took to TikTok to refute the allegations in very impressively edited videos.

@melviljoen ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: I am speaking my truth PART 1 We were lied to: TAMMY FOOLED US The moment my trust was broken: TAMMY SOLD IT TO BILLIE EILISH Carte Blanche: HAPPY SIMELANE Today, we stand firm in our ownership of the Tammy Taylor name in South Africa, ready to confront misconceptions and false narratives head-on. It’s time to set the record straight, to shed light on the reality behind the facade, and to reclaim our narrative. This video is a testament to our journey, our resilience, and our unwavering dedication to the truth. – – – #tammytaylor #tammytaylornails #mytruth ♬ original sound – Mel Viljoen

@melviljoen ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Speaking my Truth Part 2 Our journey with Tammy Taylor has been a rollercoaster of shattered trust and broken promises. From false assurances of exclusive product origins to Billie’s story that only confirmed to me Tammy’s betrayal during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus my belief in Tammy’s integrity crumbled because she was still able to fool us in times of need. No more glossing over the facts: it’s time to expose the reality. Part 3 coming soon, Carte Blanche and Happy Simelane – – – #TammyTaylor #mytruth #tammytaylornails ♬ original sound – Mel Viljoen

Tammy Taylor, CEO of Tammy Taylor Nails, hit right back with a less-impressive TikTok, saying the Viljoens were talking toss.

Taylor further claimed that the Viljoens used her name, copyrights, and trademarks on social media and in advertisements to falsely claim that they were still affiliated with her brand when she said they were not.

@tammytaylornailsA message from Tammy Taylor♬ original sound – Tammy Taylor Nails

The Viljoens are no strangers to controversy and featured in a Carte Blanche piece cleverly entitled ‘Tammy Taylor franchise fracas’.

Brazen intimidation, alleged intellectual property theft, and questionable multi-million-rand ownership agreements, leaving some franchisees desperate and out of pocket.

We investigate the notorious beauty franchise Tammy Taylor Nails SA and how it’s allegedly peddling counterfeit products.

Mel and Peet also addressed the allegations against them in the first episode of Die Real Housewives van Pretoria and denied any wrongdoing.

There are enough TikToks and truths in this nail-biting saga for another cringy reality show. Call it KyKnet daai Naels.

[source:ecr]