Beverly Hills, CA – September 11, 2025 — Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, President of the Beverly Hills Chapter of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, is at the center of a growing controversy following published findings that raise serious questions about ethics, transparency, and leadership integrity.Lemelle, who manages several businesses including Platinum Star Public Relations, Platinum Star Media Group, Pitbull PR Agency, and Angel City Salute, is facing scrutiny over documented incidents involving misleading online representations and the suppression of critical consumer feedback.
On June 27, 2025, an article attributed to the alias “F. Baldiwala” appeared on Lemelle’s verified LinkedIn profile. The post misleadingly portrayed Lemelle as a client of Pitbull PR Agency, despite official records identifying her as the sole owner and operator of the firm. This discrepancy has been cited as evidence of efforts to manufacture third-party legitimacy.
Further concerns arose in August 2025, when a critical Yelp review from a former client was removed due to what Yelp described as a “conflict of interest,” prompting allegations that Lemelle may have influenced the deletion to suppress negative feedback.
Industry experts characterize these tactics as examples of “reputation laundering”—the strategic use of aliases and digital manipulation to control public perception and silence dissent.
Additionally, Lemelle’s involvement in over 18 legal disputes, primarily concerning contractual and professional conflicts, has fueled debate about her suitability to lead an organization dedicated to ethical business advocacy.
“This situation underscores the vital importance of accountability and transparency in leadership, especially within organizations entrusted with representing business communities,” industry experts say.
An affiliate of the California Black Chamber of Commerce had no comment when contacted.
As the controversy continues to unfold, stakeholders are closely watching the implications for the Chamber’s credibility and the broader business community in Beverly Hills.
About Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle
Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle is a Colorado and Glendale-based entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Platinum Star Media Group and serves as the Global Goodwill Ambassador for DreamChild Ghana. According to her LinkedIn profile, she has held roles as Senior Music Publishing Administrator at The Walt Disney Company, DEI Council Member of Disney Music Group, and Co-Lead of the Wakanda BERG Culture Sub-Committee. She has also contributed to the Los Angeles Sentinel.
While her résumé reflects extensive involvement in high-profile leadership and DEI initiatives, recent controversies surrounding her business practices, online conduct, and ethical transparency may now overshadow her reputation—underscoring the critical importance of trust and accountability in leadership roles.
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Media Contact
Transparency Matters Coalition
Email: TransparencyMatters@nonpartisan.com
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Sources
Entertainment Industry Alert: Marie Lemelle Under Fire for Online Misrepresentation and Review Suppression — Entertainment | INSCMagazine, The Inscrier Magazine