The celebrity wellness industry is under scrutiny as Olympian and professional boxer Anthony Fowler faces legal challenges over his company, Supreme CBD. Allegations have surfaced claiming Fowler promoted his products as a cancer cure, leading to regulatory action from bodies like the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Trading Standards.

The controversy escalated with reports that Fowler claimed his CBD products had helped treat his daughter’s tumor. These claims, lacking medical evidence, have sparked outrage among cancer charities and medical professionals who emphasize the dangers of such misleading statements.

Fowler’s Supreme CBD has been a target of the ASA even before these allegations, with multiple rulings against them for misleading health claims and lack of transparency. The latest rulings reinforced the illegality of suggesting CBD could benefit conditions like anxiety or insomnia without proper authorization in the UK.

The legal consequences for such claims are severe. Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, any product advertised as treating or preventing disease is considered a medicinal product, which requires approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)—approval that Fowler’s products do not have.

Moreover, Fowler’s actions could constitute a violation of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This could lead to investigations, hefty fines, or even criminal penalties, emphasizing the serious risks of making unfounded medical claims.

This case serves as a stark warning to the wellness industry. The law distinguishes clearly between general wellness supplements and medications intended to treat specific illnesses—which require rigorous testing and regulatory approval. The industry faces a zero-tolerance policy towards any ventures into unproven medical claims by celebrity-backed brands.

For consumers, the message is clear: always consult healthcare professionals over influencers for serious health conditions. No over-the-counter CBD product should be considered a cure for cancer, regardless of celebrity endorsements or compelling personal stories.

This crackdown reflects a growing intolerance for wellness brands that mislead consumers, especially when such misinformation poses significant health risks. Celebrity entrepreneurs must navigate carefully, ensuring their claims are backed by evidence and legally compliant to avoid crossing into dangerous territory that could jeopardize consumer safety and their brand.