Case Against Univision's Total Makeover Promotion Makes Big News
In a dramatic televised surprise visit to her home, Mileydis Dominguez was told that she had been selected as the winner of a "Total Makeover" promotion before a nationwide audience on one of the Univision network's highest rated shows. However, eight months later she learned from a new producer that the whole thing was off, and all she ended up receiving was the shame and humiliation of having her physical flaws exposed on national television and the Univision Web site.
The firm's Tom Gamba took on the case of Mileydis Dominguez against the network, and two days after a complaint was filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court the story appeared in The Miami Herald and on the evening newscasts of Channels 4 and 6, the CBS and NBC affiliates for Miami-Dade and Broward.
As first reported by The Herald, Dominguez's lawsuit is for a "Pure Bill of Discovery," which would require the network to turn over all of the related documents and tapes for a possible breach of contract lawsuit. Univision has refused to turn over any information to the firm.
"We're not asking for money at this time, we're just asking for documents," explained Tom Gamba in the report.
Dominguez was one of two contestants chosen for the second edition of the total makeover segment "Cambio Total" as part of the network's morning show "Despierta America." She had allegedly won $50,000 worth of dental work, in addition to a breast enhancement, tummy-tuck, hip and thigh liposuction, varicose vein treatment, Botox and designer dresses.
Two days before her first plastic surgery, one of the show's producers called and said the whole thing was off.
"It may not be a written contract, but legally it's a contract they've made," explained Mr. Gamba in the report that aired on WTVJ, NBC6, referring to the promises that Univision made on national television to Mrs. Dominguez.
"What bothers us most is that they are preying on vulnerable people. To not give her an explanation and treat her like dirt is just not right."