Explosive Legal Battle Unfolds: YouTuber Faces Lawsuit for Exposing MLM Scams in the Philippines

in #hiveph • last year (edited)

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All liquid HIVE/HBD generated from this post and all HIVE/HBD donated through this account @pinoycrypto.com [MEMO: Elaine Angelica Linga] will be donated to Elaine Linga on her Go Fund Me page to help her with her legal battle. (More about donation details below)



In a recent online uproar, social media influencers @chrisrice [https://d.buzz/@chrisrice/4evnqys1ucpa58roq3kp82] and @guruvaj [https://d.buzz/@guruvaj/jvsxlvuo02i2vk4gxb1ugd] brought attention to a lawsuit involving a content creator who dared to expose rampant MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) scams in the Philippines. MLMs can be a legitimate business model, but distinguishing them from Ponzi or Pyramid Schemes is a critical challenge. (Watch the video here: [




The story struck a chord with me personally, as I embarked on a blogging journey aimed at unmasking fraudulent schemes that preyed on my fellow Filipinos. The companies I reviewed and labeled as scams, such as "Robot Crypto Trading," "chicken selling," and a social media twist on Ponzi Schemes, have since disappeared. Nevertheless, I faced vehement opposition and backlash from members of these dubious organizations. I endured insults and online harassment simply because I dared to scrutinize and expose their questionable practices.

Fortunately, I escaped the fate now befalling Elaine Angelica Linga, the face behind the YouTube channel "Invested Lifestyle." She found herself entangled in a legal battle initiated by IMG (International Marketing Group), one of the MLM companies she negatively reviewed. (Watch her video here: [



In retaliation, IMG slapped Linga with a cyber libel lawsuit. However, the case held no jurisdiction over her, as she is a U.S. citizen residing in the United States. She discusses her ordeal in detail in this video: [



But the saga didn't conclude there. IMG appears resolute in seeking retribution. This time, they seem to be indirectly using one of their employees, Roann Celis-Capistrano, to take legal action against Elaine. She is now facing a "Copyright Infringement" lawsuit (17 U.S.C. § 501 Copyright Infringement) filed by Roann Celis-Capistrano, an Executive Marketing Director at IMG and a prominent YouTube influencer associated with the MLM business. Roann also shares insights on financial matters on her platforms. (View her bio here: [https://0097jf.imgcorp.com/linkbio/])

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Regrettably, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, Elaine Angelica Linga cannot provide further commentary on the case. However, the details are accessible to the public. Interested parties can explore the following links for more information:

• Summary of Roann Celis-Capistrano v. Elaine Angelica Linga: [https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/cacdce/2:2023cv00843/874679]
• Complaint details (an 8-page document): [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67660440/4/roann-celis-capistrano-v-elaine-angelica-linga/]

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The core of the case revolves around the allegation that Elaine Linga, on December 14, 2022, without plaintiff’s consent, posted copyrighted material on YouTube that infringed upon Roann Celis-Capistrano's copyrighted work.

At all times relevant hereto, Plaintiff has been and still is the holder of the exclusive rights under the Copyright Act of 1976 (17 U.S.C. §§ 101 et. seq., and all amendments thereto) (the “Copyright Act”) to reproduce, distribute, display, or license the reproduction, distribution, and/or display of her audiovisual multimedia work, on the following YouTube hyperlink: (

(timestamp 8:36-10:04), which is the subject of this action (referred to herein as the “Kaiser International 3-in-1 Investment (2022)” Video”) throughout the United States and the world.

Defendant LINGA on Dec 14, 2022, posted, without plaintiff’s permission, Copyrighted Work on YouTube that infringes upon Plaintiff’s Copyrighted material: contained on the following YouTube hyperlink: (

(timestamp from 18:25 to 19:23) and referred herein as “KAISER 3 IN 1 | Worst Insurance?!” video.

Unfortunately, the video in question was removed due to a copyright claim by Roann Celis-Capistrano, making it impossible to assess how Elaine used the copyrighted material. For a comprehensive understanding, please refer to the complete 8-page complaint document [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66786069/1/roann-celis-capistrano-v-elaine-angelica-linga/].

Engaging in legal battles is a costly endeavor, especially in the United States. This leads to speculation that Roann Capistrano may be backed financially by IMG or possesses significant personal resources to cover her legal fees.

The broader question raised by this situation is whether it constitutes an attack on "free speech and fair use." While the matter of "fair use" remains a legal gray area, it is evident that Elaine's ability to freely express herself has been stifled. She can no longer post content as she once did, as her time and resources are now devoted to covering legal expenses. The case's outcome will likely shed more light on these issues as it unfolds.

In a show of support for Elaine Angelica Linga, I have decided to allocate all liquid Hive/HBD earnings from this post to assist her. You can also donate by sending HIVE/HBD on this account @pinoycrypto.com [MEMO: Elaine Angelica Linga]. The proceeds will be generated by selling Hive/HBD and donated to her GoFundMe page. I will provide regular updates for transparency. If you wish to stand by Elaine in her fight for "truth and free speech," please vote on this post or consider donating directly to her GoFundMe page or GCash Account. Links are provided below:

Your Support Is Very Much Appreciated:

• Elaine Angelica Linga GoFundMe Page: [https://www.gofundme.com/f/defend-free-speech-against-a-foreign-threat]
• Donate HIVE/HBD on this account @pinoycrypto.com (MEMO: Elaine Angelica Linga):
• Elaine Angelica Linga GCASH 0945-124-6452 Divine Abi Valencia

Useful Links:

For Roann Celis-Capistrano:
• YouTube Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@RoannCelis]
• Facebook Page: [https://www.facebook.com/roann.capistrano]
• IMG (International Marketing Group) Bio: [https://0097jf.imgcorp.com/linkbio/]

For Elaine Angelica Linga:
• YouTube Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@InvestedLifestyle]
• Elaine Angelica Linga discussing the IMG lawsuit: [


• Elaine Angelica Linga discussing the copyright infringement lawsuit (potentially involving an IMG employee): [

Links About The Case:
• Roann Celis-Capistrano v. Elaine Angelica Linga: [https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/cacdce/2:2023cv00843/874679]
• Complaint details (an 8-page document): [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66786069/1/roann-celis-capistrano-v-elaine-angelica-linga/]



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