Controversy is escalating around a Topanga-area skincare store accused of aggressively forcing tens of thousands of dollars worth of skincare products and demanding roughly $10,000 in tips from a developmentally disabled individual, as additional victims step forward. With the latest victims also being disabled or seniors, even a U.S. Representative has stepped in to raise concerns, signaling a widening fallout.
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif. 30th District), who received complaints regarding the Topanga Westfield skincare store “Bee & Co.,” plans to bring the issue to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, CBS reported on the 23rd. Rep. Sherman represents the Topanga district where Bee & Co. is located.
In an interview with CBS, Rep. Sherman expressed concern, stating, “This is not something that should be happening in a shopping mall utilized by local residents.”
The controversy began last month when Victor Chisolm, a developmentally disabled adult, claimed he was coerced into buying $41,747 worth of products at Bee & Co. and was subsequently pressured by two employees for an additional $11,210 in tips. However, according to CBS reports on that day, multiple similar cases have since emerged, with many of the victims being disabled or elderly.
Gabe Cota, who has a learning disability, claimed he was pressured into spending over $3,000 at Bee & Co. According to Cota, an employee handed him a free sample outside the store, complimented his appearance, lured him inside, and persistently pushed him to purchase high-priced items.
“I felt like I was caught in a trap,” Cota said, describing the situation. “I had the feeling I couldn’t leave the store until the payment was completed.”
Later, Cota had to revisit the store to receive a facial massage he had already paid for. Fearing additional charges, he had deactivated his debit card in advance, but the sales representative demanded an extra $300 sent via Zelle.
Notably, the sales representative identified by Cota is reportedly the same employee who sold products to Chisolm previously.
A woman in her 70s claimed she was pressured into buying expensive skincare products last year at a store affiliated with Bee & Co.’s parent company, Mazal Group LLC, located in Sherman Oaks. Additionally, two women in their 80s stated they had similar experiences at a Mazal Group-affiliated store in the Arcadia area.
In response, Bee & Co. has denied the allegations. An attorney for the company told CBS, “Rather, Chisolm harassed the employees and engaged in inappropriate behavior,” adding, “Bee & Co. has not committed any wrongdoing.”
