The Purple Mattress lawsuit stirred public interest across consumer forums, legal circles, and the mattress industry alike. At the center of it all is a complex legal battle involving defamation, trade secrets, and product safety. This lawsuit, launched in 2016, didn’t stem from defective mattresses or a traditional class action. Instead, it arose when Purple sued a blog known for reviewing mattresses, accusing it of spreading false claims. Over the years, rumors about class actions and toxic materials like “white powder” spread online, confusing buyers and damaging trust.
Despite these challenges, Purple remained one of the fastest-growing bed-in-a-box companies in the U.S. This article breaks down the Purple Mattress lawsuit, reviews the facts behind the allegations, and explains the difference between actual legal claims and online noise. We also analyze consumer reactions, impact on competitors, and where the lawsuit stands today.
What Triggered the Purple Mattress Lawsuit?
The origin of the Purple Mattress lawsuit wasn’t what most people expected. It wasn’t due to a defective product or customer injury, but something far more strategic — and competitive.
Did Purple Sue a Mattress Reviewer for Defamation?
Yes. In September 2016, Purple Innovation LLC filed a lawsuit against Honest Mattress Reviews and its affiliate, GhostBed.
Purple alleged that the defendants launched a defamation campaign designed to ruin Purple’s brand image. The blog claimed that Purple’s mattresses contained toxic white powder made from polyethylene copolymer, raising alarm about health effects. Purple countered that the powder was food-grade and safe, used to prevent mattress components from sticking during shipping.
The lawsuit stated that GhostBed secretly funded these defamatory posts to hurt a direct competitor in the crowded mattress market.
Was There a Real Health Risk From the White Powder?
Not according to court findings or independent tests. Purple submitted third-party lab results confirming that the white powder was safe and non-toxic. The substance, a polyethylene-based powder, is approved for use in food processing and packaging. Purple maintained that it posed no danger when used in small, controlled amounts inside their mattresses. The court later agreed that no substantial evidence proved the powder was harmful.
Was This a Class Action Lawsuit Against Purple?
Since many people misinterpreted the legal battle as a class action, it’s important to understand how this myth spread and what actually happened.
Did Consumers File a Class Action Case?
No official class action lawsuit was filed against Purple by consumers. Although many online rumors suggested the possibility of a class action due to the “white powder” claims, no such suit was initiated. Some customers voiced concerns on Reddit and consumer forums, but those did not lead to any legal action. The only legal action was Purple suing a third-party reviewer, not the other way around.
Why Did People Think It Was a Class Action Case?
The confusion started when the phrase “Purple Mattress lawsuit” began trending online after the 2016 defamation suit. Misinformation spread on social media, suggesting a broader consumer legal action had been filed.
Purple’s high visibility and growing sales volume fueled more speculation. However, no class action lawsuit was certified or even proposed by consumers or legal firms.
What Were the Key Developments in the Purple Mattress Lawsuit?
This case unfolded over several years. Let’s break down the timeline and highlight major legal turning points that shaped the outcome.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sep 2016 | Purple files defamation and trade libel suit in Utah |
| Nov 2016 | Temporary restraining order issued against Honest Mattress Reviews |
| 2017 | Purple wins preliminary injunction |
| 2018 | Parties reach settlement; blog removed |
| 2022 | Online rumors of renewed lawsuits surface again |
| 2023 | No further legal action reported |
Purple’s legal team argued successfully that the competitor-backed review site acted with malicious intent, not objective consumer interest. The injunction halted publication of new claims, and the blog disappeared after settlement.
How Did Consumers React to the Purple Mattress Lawsuit?
Legal trouble can crush a brand’s momentum — or fuel a comeback. Here’s how Purple responded and whether it hurt or helped their business.
Did It Affect Customer Trust in Purple Products?
Yes, but only temporarily. The online reaction in 2016–2017 was full of confusion and speculation. Some customers canceled orders due to safety fears. Trustpilot and Reddit threads featured dozens of complaints about the powder issue.
However, once Purple shared third-party safety reports and won the court case, many consumers returned. The company launched aggressive marketing and transparency campaigns that helped repair its reputation.
Did the Lawsuit Impact Purple’s Sales or Growth?
Short-term sales dipped in late 2016 and early 2017, but Purple rebounded fast. In 2018, the company went public via a SPAC deal with Global Partner Acquisition Corp., valued at $1.1 billion. By 2020, Purple saw record sales, aided by pandemic-driven mattress demand. The lawsuit became a footnote rather than a disaster.
How Did This Affect Purple’s Competitors?
As the lawsuit gained attention, it sent a strong signal to the entire DTC mattress industry. Let’s explore how it changed the game.
Did GhostBed Face Consequences?
Yes. Although GhostBed denied direct involvement in Honest Mattress Reviews, the court acknowledged an affiliation. This association hurt GhostBed’s credibility in certain markets.
Some affiliate partners dropped GhostBed, and other review sites added disclaimers to avoid legal risk.
Did Other Mattress Companies Learn from This?
Definitely. After this case, companies in the direct-to-consumer mattress space adopted stricter legal review policies. They became more cautious with affiliate content, competitor comparisons, and influencer campaigns. The case served as a wake-up call across the industry about the risks of fake reviews and shady marketing.
What Is the Status of the Purple Mattress Lawsuit Today?
Years later, people still search for updates. Here’s what’s officially known about the lawsuit’s current legal status and any follow-up actions.
Was the Case Settled or Decided in Court?
The case was settled privately in 2018. Terms were not disclosed publicly, but the settlement led to the shutdown of the review website and a dismissal of Purple’s legal claims. No damages were publicly awarded, but the removal of defamatory content and court orders in Purple’s favor served as a major win.
Is There Any Ongoing Litigation in 2023 or 2024?
As of late 2023 and early 2024, there is no active lawsuit involving Purple Innovation related to the original case. The company continues to face routine business challenges, but nothing related to white powder, product safety, or class actions is on court records.
How Did Purple Handle Crisis Management?
Purple issued clear public statements, published lab results, and launched a transparency campaign. They worked with affiliate marketers, customer service reps, and social channels to address misinformation quickly. Their response is considered a textbook example of brand recovery after a targeted defamation attempt.
What Should Consumers Learn from the Purple Mattress Lawsuit?
Consumers deserve clarity. This case shows why legal literacy and fact-checking are vital in today’s marketplace.
Always Verify Sources
Don’t rely on affiliate blogs or anonymous forums for health or product safety information. Always look for verified reports and official lab results.
Watch for Bias in Reviews
If a blog or influencer aggressively bashes one product while promoting another, it may be a conflict of interest.
Legal Language Matters
Just because someone online says there’s a “lawsuit” doesn’t mean it’s true. Check actual legal filings through trusted platforms like Justia or PACER.
Conclusion
The Purple Mattress lawsuit was never a class action or a product liability crisis. It was a strategic defamation lawsuit filed by Purple against a review site funded by a competitor. Despite widespread confusion and misinformation, Purple successfully proved its claims in court and settled the case. Independent lab results confirmed the mattress powder was non-toxic, and the court ruled in Purple’s favor. The lawsuit’s resolution helped set a new standard in the mattress industry around review ethics and legal accountability.
Although rumors and Reddit threads continue to mention the lawsuit, the facts remain unchanged. Purple has emerged as a leading mattress company with a strong customer base and continued product innovation. Consumers should remember to check sources, understand the nature of legal claims, and think critically about reviews.
FAQs About the Purple Mattress Lawsuit
What is the Purple Mattress lawsuit about?
It involved defamation, not product defects. Purple sued a review site and competitor for false health claims.
Was there a class action lawsuit against Purple?
No. Rumors circulated online, but no class action case was filed by customers or legal groups.
Is the white powder in Purple mattresses dangerous?
No. Independent lab tests found it to be food-grade and non-toxic. It prevents mattress parts from sticking.
Did Purple win the lawsuit?
Yes. The court issued injunctions in Purple’s favor. The case ended with a settlement and content removal.
Is there an ongoing Purple Mattress lawsuit in 2024?
No. There are no open lawsuits related to the 2016 case or any class action matter as of 2024.
What lessons can other brands learn from this case?
Avoid affiliate-based defamation, manage legal risks, and maintain transparency in public communication.
How did Purple rebuild trust after the lawsuit?
They shared lab data, addressed consumer concerns directly, and launched campaigns to counter misinformation.
Where can I check if a company is involved in a lawsuit?
Use PACER, Justia, or the official FDA warning database for factual updates.
