Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent promotion of Herbalife products on social media has sparked a heated debate about celebrity endorsements and the ethics of advertising. The Portuguese football legend shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) endorsing the brand’s Formula 1 meal replacement shake as a healthy breakfast option.
While Ronaldo’s post was met with enthusiasm from fans, it also attracted sharp criticism from some corners. Critics pointed out that Ronaldo failed to clearly label the post as a paid advertisement, a requirement under social media regulations. This led to a community note on X, indicating that the post may not be in compliance with the platform’s guidelines.
Among the most vocal critics was Dr. Cyriac Abby Phillips, an Indian hepatologist and social media influencer known as ‘The Liver Doc.’ Dr. Phillips strongly rebuked Ronaldo for endorsing a product that has been linked to health concerns in the past, particularly regarding liver health.
Dr. Phillips cited studies and controversies surrounding Herbalife’s products, which have faced scrutiny for their potential adverse effects on liver function. He also criticized Ronaldo for not following ethical advertising practices, particularly when it comes to promoting products that could have a serious impact on public health.
Ronaldo’s post has reignited discussions about the transparency of celebrity endorsements on social media. Critics argue that celebrities have a responsibility to be transparent about their paid partnerships and to ensure that the products they endorse are safe and beneficial for their followers.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of social media platforms in regulating celebrity endorsements. Critics argue that platforms like X should do more to ensure that users are aware when they are viewing paid content and that celebrities are following ethical advertising practices.
