Key Takeaways:
- Victoria Nelson is suing celebrity esthetician Sonya Dakar for fraud, alleging she was not authorized to perform a chemical peel that left her with severe burns and permanent scarring.
- Nelson claims Dakar made false representations about her professional qualifications and licensure, and charged her $70,972.27 for treatments between 2019 and 2023.
- Dakar’s establishment license for her Beverly Hills clinic expired in 2021, and she has been accused of performing procedures outside the scope of an esthetician’s license in California.
- Nelson is seeking $71,000 in damages, not for her reported burn injury, but for Dakar’s alleged false representations and unauthorized charges.
- The case has raised concerns about the regulation of the esthetician industry and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Introduction to the Case
An LA woman, Victoria Nelson, is suing celebrity esthetician Sonya Dakar for fraud, alleging that she was not authorized to perform a chemical peel that left her with severe burns and permanent scarring. Nelson claims that she visited Dakar’s Beverly Hills clinic in April 2021 and left with severe burns to her face, including to both cheeks, under one eyebrow, and to her forehead. The lawsuit, filed in LA court, alleges that Dakar intentionally placed an unknown substance, likely acid, onto Nelson’s face, causing the severe burns and permanent scarring.
Background on the Plaintiff and Defendant
Nelson, the founder and CEO of Undeniable Entertainment, said that her acne prompted her to seek out Dakar in 2019 at the age of 26. She claimed that Dakar charged her $70,972.27 for treatments between November 7, 2019, and November 5, 2023. Nelson has described herself as a frequent client of Dakar’s, even after the alleged 2021 chemical peel burning, and said she returned for about 30 sessions to fix her face. Dakar’s celebrity clientele has included Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sofia Vergara, and Jennifer Lopez, and her clinic has been a popular destination for those seeking high-end skincare treatments.
Allegations of Unauthorized Charges and Lack of Licensure
Nelson’s lawsuit raises several issues, including the unauthorized charges and the lack of licensure for Dakar and her clinic. Nelson questioned the purpose of an alleged $6,495 charge on November 5, 2023, saying she is "certain that she did not purchase anything" from Dakar at that time. Additionally, Dakar’s establishment license for her famous Beverly Hills clinic expired in September 2021, according to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology’s online license database. The board revoked the license in April 2022, following accusations that the clinic had advanced tools for the "practice of medicine," like Cutera laser machines and Cellu M6 for cellulite, and refused inspector access.
Regulatory Issues and Disciplinary Actions
The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology has taken disciplinary actions against Dakar in the past. In 2011, the board placed Dakar on probation for three years after she admitted to "grabbing an inspector’s hand, attempting to bite her and pulling her hair" during an inspection. The board has also opened a case against Dakar and her clinic, following a complaint from a consumer with the initials "VN" in February 2024. The complaint alleged that the client had experienced "severe chemical burns that caused significant damage." An inspector who visited the clinic in August 2024 observed a radio frequency microneedling machine, which is outside the scope of an esthetician’s license in California.
Nelson’s Previous Lawsuit and Social Media Campaign
Nelson has previously filed a lawsuit against Dakar for alleged medical malpractice in 2024, but dismissed it weeks later. She said in her new suit that she dropped the old one "because [Dakar and her clinic] represented that they lacked insurance coverage, resulting in no compensation" to her. Nelson has also posted TikToks about the ordeal, including an August video about her "permanent disfigurement" from the 2021 chemical peel, which racked up nearly 10 million views. This week on TikTok, Nelson said that she filed her latest suit "to be part of a solution to bring more transparency to an industry that so many young women, including myself, have put our trust [in]."
Conclusion and Implications
The lawsuit against Sonya Dakar raises important questions about the regulation of the esthetician industry and the need for greater transparency and accountability. Nelson’s case highlights the potential risks and consequences of seeking beauty treatments from unlicensed or unqualified practitioners. The case also underscores the importance of consumers doing their research and verifying the qualifications and licensure of estheticians and other beauty professionals before seeking their services. As the esthetician industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that regulators and practitioners prioritize consumer safety and well-being, and that consumers remain vigilant and informed about the risks and benefits of beauty treatments.
