Celebrity Justice
Does Victoria Have an Itchy, Red Secret?

Giving new meaning to "burning bras," some of Victoria's Secret's signature products are allegedly giving women hot, red, itchy welts, and it might be because of the stuff they embalm bodies with.

A class action lawsuit is in the works from "dozens" of women who say Angels Secret Embrace and Very Sexy Extreme Me Push-Up bras are giving them rashes, hives and permanent scarring. Some bras, according to an ABC News report, are coming up positive for formaldehyde.

One woman, Roberta Ritter, already sued the company back in May.

VS issued the following statement: "Millions of women love Victoria's Secret bras. We have strict quality controls around our products, and we do not use formaldehyde in our bras. Customer safety and satisfaction are always our primary concerns, and we take very seriously any issues our customers may have with our products."

Reader Comments

(Page 4 of 4) Previous 15 Comments

46. I'm a guy, but I have a lot of experience with bras, having taken so many of them off my bitches.

The May, 2008 issue of Consumer Reports compared three bras: A high-end La Perla for $127, a Victoria's Secret Ipex demi for $45, and a Gilligan & O'Malley padded demi (sold at Target) for $11.

You know where this is going: The G&O was clearly the better of the three, with regard to quality, comfort, fit, and of course, price.

Posted at 9:47AM on Nov 12th 2008 by Save Your Money

47.

Response to #16 Deeregirl who writes that "breast cancer starts with red itchy bumps".

As a breast cancer survivor who has been through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and endless awful treatments, I have to inform you that breast cancer never "starts with red itchy bumps". Perhaps you are confusing it with some form of skin cancer?

In my particular case, breast cancer started with a lump that I felt with my fingers, it was like a perfect hard bean and was right under my skin close to armpit.

Posted at 10:07AM on Nov 12th 2008 by orchidgirlFL

48. I can tell you this, having a "formaldehyde allergy" is devastating. I should know, I have it. This isn't anything to even joke about. It effects the quality of ones life on a daily basis. This god awfull chemical is in practically everything made. Just some products more than others.

I hope they win the lawsuit. SCREW CHINA PRODUCTS BY THE WAY!

Posted at 10:55AM on Nov 12th 2008 by :what ev errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

49. #45. Get a life. Just because they use that friggin chemical to "preserve" something doesn't make it right. It's friggin harmfull , PERIOD! You must own stock in the chemical companies.........

Geesh ladies,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Heres a suggestion: We should be demanding an expiration date on our under garments. Sell or use by????? because we do not want our under garments to contain preservatives??????

God help us.

Posted at 11:07AM on Nov 12th 2008 by :what ev errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

50. DAMN, DAMN,........DAMN,.....DAMN!!! I KNEW IT! DAVID BECKHAM HAS GOT CRABS AND NOW VICTORIA SUFFERS THE CONSEQUENCES..........OH THE SHAME,.........THE SHAME. SEAFOOD SAUCE ANYONE?

Posted at 11:55AM on Nov 12th 2008 by Braindamaged2too

51. I GUESS THE BECKHAMS, ESPECIALLY DAVID WILL BE "EATING IN" FOR A WHILE!!! pass the seafood sauce please!

Posted at 11:59AM on Nov 12th 2008 by Braindamaged2too

52. Did anyone see the news about the CARTER'S BABY clothes ? Same thing , only this time it was on NEWBORN INFANTS broke out in horrible rashes , the rash on some babies is taking 6 MONTHS TO HEAL. It was the label . Oh , once again , , , ,MADE IN CHINA ...

Posted at 1:13PM on Nov 12th 2008 by ooh ouchy

53. Oh my god, this happened to me several times, but I had no idea what it was. I've worn the Very Sexy Push-Up bras for 6 years, and several times I got horrible redness and stuff. Luckily it didn't leave any scars, but I'm glad I'm not alone. Used to work for Victoria's Secret and saw first-hand just how much they care about their customers. Disgusting.

Posted at 2:21PM on Nov 12th 2008 by Tabitha

54. OMG, seriously, anyone know how to join a class action lawsuit? Or where to turn in bras that are suspect?I've been buying my bras since high school at victoria secret bc I cannot find bras for a 32c that fit well anywhere else. ANyway, About 4 months ago I bought 5 bras in various colors and styles from V.S, and I have been having unexplained reactions to 3 of them! I will spare the details, but I am someone who suffers from eczema(in other areas of the body where eczema is common). I also have extremely sensitive skin and allergies. Anyway, I have switched my "free & clear," detergents, eliminated fabric softner (even though the one i used was suppose to be hypoallergenic) and have extra rinsed my clothes and was still getting skin reactions on my breasts. I also switched my body soap and lotion! I never would of guest it could of been the bra! While thanks for informing me TMZ:P

Posted at 3:19PM on Nov 12th 2008 by kiley

55. NUMBER 10 - I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENTS... YEARS AGO I USED TO BUY ALL MY BRAS AND UNDERWEARS AT VICTORIA SECRET BUT THE SALES ASSOCIATES ARE SO DARN ** PUSHY **. i WALKED OUT AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT THE MATERIAL IS MADE OF. i HAVE PURCHASED ALL MY BRAS AND UNDIES AT JC PENNEY... AT LEAST , JC PENNEY ASSOCIATES KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE MADE OF....
I HOPE SOMEDAY BRAS AND OTHER THINGS WILL BE MADE IN THE UNITED STATES... EVERYTHING U SEE OUT THERE IS **CHINA ** ... THAT WILL OPEN MORE JOB OPENINGS FOR THE UNITED STATES,,,, THAT'S WHY I LIKED ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF OUT PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA... (TO OPEN MORE JOBS IN THE US AND NOT OVERSEAS)...

Posted at 9:00AM on Nov 13th 2008 by Shirliana

56. ok so u wear the bra you feel irratation and you return it and get your money back... u dont continue to wear it (your choice) and then sue cuz it irratated you to welts and rash. It sounds to me like another frivilous lawsuit. You make the decision to continue to wear something bothering you. they didnt hold a gun to your head. I had the same problem with one of Victoria Secrets bras and i just chose not to wear it and guess what... i dont have a rash... WOW what a concept

Posted at 5:39PM on Nov 12th 2008 by ME AGAIN!!!!

57. I have the secret embrace bra. I put it in the wash once and it has permanent wrinkles on the breast areas and got so loose, I can't wear it. Otherwise it looks brand new. The worst 50 bucks I ever spent. My mom then took me to get Bali and Olga bras. They are so much better and cost less. Though I did not get skin irritation, I think I deserve a refund too.

Posted at 5:44PM on Nov 12th 2008 by Ratta !

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