August 31, 2005
A federal judge has refused to block the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) from asking television stations to withdraw misleading infomercials that promote the book, 'Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About.'
Judge Gary Sharpe ruled that the CPB had given Kevin Trudeau the three days' notice Trudeau's attorneys had requested before the CPB contacts television stations about Trudeau's advertising.
Trudeau's self-published book might not be scientifically impeccable but it is setting sales records. In the last three weeks, it's been second only to the latest Harry Potter novel. The 570-page collection of Trudeau's ruminations on natural cures is solidly in the #2 spot on the New York Times best-seller list.
'We're pleased with the judge's decision and soon we will contact television and cable stations informing them of our belief that these infomercials are misleading and the book does not contain the cures that are claimed in these advertisements,' said Teresa A. Santiago, Chairman and Executive Director of the CPB.
'Shamefully, Mr. Trudeau has been preying on the hopes and fears of people with serious illnesses,' said Santiago.
Because the CPB has already given Trudeau at least three days' notice, Judge Sharpe said a temporary restraining order is not necessary.
Judge Sharpe also said that this was his first ruling in the case. He noted that Trudeau had issued a press release on Aug. 18 that claimed that Judge Sharpe had issued a restraining order against the CPB. No such order was issued, Judge Sharpe said.
The CPB's report on the misleading advertising by Trudeau is available online at www.nysconsumer.gov/PressReleases/2005/august505.htm.
