Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against New York City-based retailer Lola Olivia, Inc. for selling chest binders to girls as young as nine.
The venture-capital-backed company, marketed as a lifestyle brand for young adults and “trans” youth ages 9-15, allegedly fails to warn customers about serious health risks. The lawsuit marks another legal action by Paxton targeting businesses involved in youth “gender transition” services. It seeks over $1 million in monetary relief, civil penalties, and injunctive relief.
According to the lawsuit, Lola Olivia markets chest binders without disclosing that they could subject users to no less than 28 different medical conditions.
The filing cites federal health authorities and academic studies alleging that chest binders can compromise lung function and cause difficulty breastfeeding later in life. It also states that chest binders are classified as Class I medical devices under federal law and alleges the company advertises them as “safe and effective” for children without disclosing associated risks.
“‘Transitioning’ a minor is child abuse, and any corporation doing it will face swift and unrelenting justice,” said Paxton. “It’s unconscionable that there are people in this world who are trying to make a fortune by hurting kids, but that’s exactly what’s going on here.”
Paxton accused the company of violating Texas consumer protection laws through false advertising. He pledged to bring “the full force of the law against Lola Olivia for misleading Texans about the extreme harm that its products cause our kids.”
The attorney general seeks a temporary restraining order and civil penalties. The lawsuit alleges the company engaged in deceptive practices by refusing to disclose safety risks to children.
This week, Paxton also filed a lawsuit against Children’s Health System of Texas and pediatric doctor Jason Jarin. That case involves allegations of illegal “transition” procedures and Medicaid fraud.
