- The recent apprehension in Florida, USA, marks another chapter in the Viljoens’ legal challenges.
- From the Tammy Taylor franchise issues to Peet’s reported disbarment, the Viljoens have often been in the news for negative reasons.
- Briefly News reviews five instances where stars Mel and Peet Viljoen encountered legal difficulties.
Reality TV personalities Melany and Peet Viljoen have been prominently featured in the media due to their recent arrest in the U.S. related to theft.
This incident is not their first brush with the law. Briefly News discusses five notable occasions when the couple has made headlines for unfavorable reasons.
What transpired between Mel and Tammy Taylor?
Melany Viljoen faces a $100 million lawsuit stemming from a claim by the American owner of Tammy Taylor, alleging unauthorized use of the trademark after its expiration.
In retaliation, the Viljoens initiated their own lawsuit against Tammy for $200 million. Nonetheless, the court mandated them to cease using the Tammy Taylor name and pay statutory damages of R71 million. According to The Citizen, Melany has stated she does not intend to pay that amount.
Regardless of the legal ruling, Mel remains convinced of her ownership of Tammy Taylor. In 2024, she took to TikTok to disclose that she had previously collaborated with Tammy Taylor in America and aimed to uplift her business, which once offered just 20 nail polish colors with no salon.
She insisted that she introduced the brand to South Africa, operating as an independent entity. However, official records indicate she does not hold ownership and has been directed to discontinue sales of the products.
Mel and Peet’s $3 million relocation
The couple then moved to the U.S. in search of a “better life.” They claimed to have received $3 million in funding from Lilymac Spa & Boutique.
Taking to Instagram, Mel wrote: “I just want to say thank you to Sheila Martin, owner and founder of Lilymac Spa & Boutique, for her contribution of $3m. This is such an exciting time. All the queens are coming on board. What she (Martin) loves most about this partnership is the haters, she says. The more bad news about someone, the more Americans want to invest. Very counterintuitive but great for business! America is good to us.”
They declared that they would only employ Afrikaans women for the supposed jobs.
Was Peet Viljoen disbarred?
As reported by The Citizen, the South African Legal Practice Council (LPC) revealed that the Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP) requested the High Court in Pretoria to disbar Peet Viljoen.
This request followed a determination that he exhibited unprofessional, dishonorable, and inappropriate conduct. Ultimately, he was deemed unfit to practice law in South Africa.
Additionally, he faced issues with the tax authorities, with the South African Revenue Services reportedly issuing a tax judgment against him amounting to R10 million.
And lastly, their arrest in Florida
Melany and Peet were detained in the U.S. after being accused of stealing groceries from a store in Florida.
They allegedly took 392 items, and according to a police affidavit, they claimed to have stolen due to being in “survival mode” as they lacked visas.
“She stated she was stealing because she was in survival mode and has not worked since coming to the U.S. due to not having a Visa,” said a police officer from Boca Raton, as noted in the report seen by Local10.
