Viral Advertisement Falsely Links Kevin O’Leary to CBD Gummies
A misleading advertisement that circulates online claims that “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary backed a CBD gummy product created by entrepreneurs Donna and Rosy Khalife. The ad mimics a news story, complete with a fabricated headline and a logo that reads “Entertainment Today Insider News,” but every click leads directly to a sales page for the gummies.
The Origin of the Claim
The advertisement asserts that the Khalife sisters invented a formula called Keoni CBD Gummies that can instantly eliminate nicotine cravings. It states that the sisters secured a historic $2.5 million deal with all six “Shark Tank” investors. While the piece features photos of O’Leary, it never explicitly names him, relying instead on his recognizable image to suggest endorsement.
What the Khalife Sisters Actually Did on Shark Tank
Rosy Khalife told USA TODAY that she and her sister have no affiliation with the CBD gummies and never pitched such a product on the show. Their real appearance on “Shark Tank” came in 2014, when they presented Surprise Ride, a monthly subscription box that delivers educational activities for children. Although they did not receive an investment during that episode, they later accepted an offer from O’Leary in 2016 through the spin‑off series “Beyond the Tank.” That deal marked the first time a past contestant was reapproached by an investor, a detail highlighted in a 2016 press release from Surprise Ride.
How the Image Was Altered
The promotional picture used in the ad shows O’Leary holding large packages of CBD gummies alongside two women. The original photograph, taken outside a Wine & Design paint‑and‑sip store in July 2017, contained no gummies at all. The franchise’s headquarters posted the unaltered image on Twitter, and Wine & Design itself had appeared on “Shark Tank” later that year, securing a deal from O’Leary. Digital editing added the gummy bottles to create a false impression of partnership.
Fact‑Check Verdict
After contacting Wellness Brands, the company that claims to own Keoni, and reviewing the sisters’ statements, USA TODAY found no evidence linking the product to either O’Leary or the Khalife sisters. Lead Stories previously debunked a nearly identical hoax involving a different gummy name. Based on these findings, the claim that Kevin O’Leary invested in CBD gummies created by Donna and Rosy Khalife is rated false.
The sisters continue to run Surprise Ride and regularly receive inquiries about the fraudulent gummies, urging consumers to verify any “Shark Tank”‑related offers before making a purchase.
For the full fact‑check, see the original USA TODAY article Here
