I, too, always felt this from Mel. I wondered what I was missing, but her whole "I'm a clueless mess" schtick never felt authentic to me. Another win for my built in bs detector! 😆
Just read your post. I had a different Hayhouse author plagiarize one of my courses… like word for word. When I called her on it, she claimed her assistant had done it without her knowledge. I let her editor at Hayhouse know and got no response. Reading your article really makes me question the culture at Hayhouse.
Thank you! I have a lot to say on this matter but have withheld words for legal protection. Suffice it to say I had the opportunity to pitch a book proposal to them and declined due to what I felt to be a highly toxic, dysfunctional, and dishonest environment.
You’re absolutely correct. I do not condone plagiarism or the use of AI, which for all intents and purposes. IS plagiarism. Thank you for caring and clarifying.🫶
Hmmmm…. Just so there’s no misunderstanding: the tone of your article implies that you are someone who wouldn’t countenance plagiarism, that you wouldn’t feel good about it happening to anyone. ☺️
Thank you again! Another clear, beautifully expressed piece. I love the words from your book, Freedom, on empathy and cancel culture. An article about what we can do to support Cassie? Thanks again. With gratitude and love xo
Dear Danni, Thank you so very much for your kind words. You made my night! I think the best way we can support Cassie is to share her story and buy her book; the best way to support any writer, I suppose. I really appreciate the comment about my book and hope you get a chance to read it someday. Take care. Warmly, Sage
Hi Sage, thank you for responding. The connection is everything to me. I was actually going to write to you. I want to order your book. Is it only available in hardcover? And thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I will order Cassie’s book too. I am a new self-published author and I know how important this type of support is. I also began to follow Cassie on IG (although I try to stay off of it) and will reach out to her. Thank you again. I love these type of encounters where there is immediate connection through writing. Sending love to you. xo
Congrats on your new book! It’s a huge accomplishment to write a book.
At this time, my book is available in hard copy only. I’m editing an audible version and a paperback with a new cover that I hope to have done by March- which means the hardcover available now, might go out of print soon.
Sending love right back to you. “What the world needs now, is love, sweet love, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” B.B.
This situation is so upsetting! I can’t imagine how Cassie feels. I don’t see this as cancel culture at all, and I ABHOR cancel culture. This is a clear case of someone doing something blatantly greedy and morally bankrupt, and calling attention to this situation. I saw a Mel Robbins video on YouTube the other day and seeing her promote the Let Them book was so upsetting! I wish these frauds would stop being elevated. That will probably never happen, but it’s so good to make some noise!
Thank you for calling this out. I wasn't familiar with Cassie's work until I read this. Mel Robbins came on my radar only recently and I started listening to her podcast and had planned to buy her book. No more. How hugely disappointing. I wonder what Oprah would have to say about this since she has been promoting the book as well. The hurt and anger and helplessness Cassie must be feeling over this injustice must be staggering. I admire you for doing what you can to right this wrong and I hope Robbins will step up and do what's right.
Thank you, @Tarachristina! I appreciate you doing that. I’m not at all surprised —as those who interview Mel Robbins, benefit by her (people tune in to watch or listen, advertisers pay, etc.). It’s an incestuous media machine motivated by money and lacking integrity.
If Cassie Phillips were willing to go to court- she has a better chance than most- and it could help protect the rest of us.
Unfortunately, cults create their own rules and then spin the truth to control the narrative.
For example: I’ve noticed that a “go to” comeback to plagiarism in the wellness community is to reference Elizabeth Gilbert’s book BIG MAGIC that discusses the concept of “multiple discovery” - when two people have the same idea at the same time, in order to dismiss the accusations of plagiarism. While it’s true- two people can have the same idea at the same time- this was not that. There’s a clear time line. The similarities are too specific. I feel certain Cassie could win in a court of law if she had the resources to take this to court.
Thank you, very much, for the admiration it takes to put one’s neck on the line to do the right thing. If we all did it- might not feel so scary for those of us who do. I highly recommend it! 🤣❤️🩹🫶
I posted about this in Oprah’s Community Group. It’s getting some interesting discussion, mostly supporting Robbin’s work. Some even dismissing plagiarism as normal. I’m 100% in agreement with authors getting credit for our original work. I appreciate you for bringing this to light Sage!
My best friend introduced me to The Let Them Theory via Mel's podcast. I loved it! Pre-ordered her book and went all in. I only made it about 50 pages before I tapped out, finding it devoid of substance and painfully repetitive. Now I know why! I will absolutely be returning it in solidarity. Part of me wants to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe Mel really did discover it from her daughter who picked it up from a viral post years before. But if Mel had really done her research as she claimed, she would have found Cassie's original piece at some point. This is so disappointing. What a massive injustice to up and coming writers everywhere.
Ironically, I just finished Mel Robbins’ book. This makes me physically sick. I felt the premise was great but a lot of what she said was not really inspiring, Sometimes even flawed. Now I understand. I immediately did some research & I ordered Sage’s book Freedom. I hope we can all help Sage Justice get justice.
I feel this so deeply. As the writer who popularized the term “holding space” back in 2015 (though I didn’t originate it and have always credited those who came before), I’ve had my work plagiarized countless times. Even though my book on the topic sold reasonably well, there are other people making far more money off it than I ever have. I watch people like Mel Robbins make more and more money while I make less and less, and I watch AI impersonate us and it just feels more and more discouraging.
Appreciate your words and supporting another writer who clearly is talented and inspiring. I love the idea of 'Call Out Culture' to grow empathy and learn from our mistakes. To hold ourselves accountable and evolves as human beings. As Brené Brown says, "I'd rather get it right, than be right."
Thank you, Janine, I appreciate it. Yes, I think if we want people to stop lying to us, we have to make it safe to tell the truth. No one is perfect. I have no desire to drag Mel through the dirt. I also have no desire to have my words stolen or those of other independent writers. In my book, FREEDOM, I write about how empathy is actually similar to revenge, for it’s a desire for someone to know how we feel. If the world were to become more empathetic, I believe we would be more compelled to lift someone up as we rise, rather than step on others to have a greater reach.
Sage and Cassie... I just preordered Cassie's book. One way we can help Cassie with this is not only by buying her book but also by leaving reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and the sites of other booksellers. I certainly will and hope others do too.
MR is just way too shouty for me. I couldn’t get past 2 minutes of a podcast with her. Not saying she’s bad- I’m sure she has valid things to say but just not for me.
Sage... I'm glad you're writing about this. I'm a psychotherapist and an author. While I'm familiar with Mel Robbins, I have not followed her nor have I read her books. I learned of you, Cassie Phillips, the Let Them movement, and Mel's use of "let them" only a few weeks ago. This injustice is upsetting to me on many levels. As an author myself, using other people's content and ideas is simply not ethical. It's certainly unkind. But what upsets me the most is the injustice to Cassie. I hope Mel ultimately publicly acknowledges that Cassie started this movement and that she apologies for, perhaps unintentionally, using this material for her book. I don't know the legalities of this but it is simply wrong.
Cassie... I am sorry this happened to you and I hope you pursue justice in whatever form that takes. I look forward to reading your book.
Now this makes sense why I felt everyone was way too inspired by “Let Them” it felt cheap and easy and irked every time I heard it being quoted. I must have felt the deceit lol.
I liked Mel’s five second rule- that was hers! It was totally hers.
This reminded me of The Simpsons episode where Bart became famous for “I didn’t do it” he had to go on every talk show and say “I didn’t do it” Conan saying “just do the line” when bart wanted to talk about other things
Thank you for sharing my piece. We need to protect each other’s words.
Not surprising ..I have always thought Mel was over rated. Now I understand my feelings to it, I didn’t believe in her authenticity . Makes sense now.
I, too, always felt this from Mel. I wondered what I was missing, but her whole "I'm a clueless mess" schtick never felt authentic to me. Another win for my built in bs detector! 😆
Same! I would listen to Mel Robbin’s but something always felt off but I couldn’t figure out why at the time. Makes much more sense now.
Just read your post. I had a different Hayhouse author plagiarize one of my courses… like word for word. When I called her on it, she claimed her assistant had done it without her knowledge. I let her editor at Hayhouse know and got no response. Reading your article really makes me question the culture at Hayhouse.
Thank you! I have a lot to say on this matter but have withheld words for legal protection. Suffice it to say I had the opportunity to pitch a book proposal to them and declined due to what I felt to be a highly toxic, dysfunctional, and dishonest environment.
You’re absolutely correct. I do not condone plagiarism or the use of AI, which for all intents and purposes. IS plagiarism. Thank you for caring and clarifying.🫶
If you haven't listened to the Conspirituality episode about Hay House, I highly recommend it. https://www.conspirituality.net/episodes/22-racism-amp-fraud-in-new-age-publishing-rebekah-borucki-dr-jay-mohan
I’m sorry that your work was plagiarized- I should’ve started with that. ❤️🩹🫂
Lol— I feel like that’s implied by the tone of your article.
Oy- oh my. Unintended for sure.
Hmmmm…. Just so there’s no misunderstanding: the tone of your article implies that you are someone who wouldn’t countenance plagiarism, that you wouldn’t feel good about it happening to anyone. ☺️
Ohhhh! Haha. Thank you for clarifying- I thought you were referencing my feelings about HayHouse
Yeah, it sounded like there was some misunderstanding! Texting with strangers is always dicey
Thank you again! Another clear, beautifully expressed piece. I love the words from your book, Freedom, on empathy and cancel culture. An article about what we can do to support Cassie? Thanks again. With gratitude and love xo
Dear Danni, Thank you so very much for your kind words. You made my night! I think the best way we can support Cassie is to share her story and buy her book; the best way to support any writer, I suppose. I really appreciate the comment about my book and hope you get a chance to read it someday. Take care. Warmly, Sage
Hi Sage, thank you for responding. The connection is everything to me. I was actually going to write to you. I want to order your book. Is it only available in hardcover? And thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I will order Cassie’s book too. I am a new self-published author and I know how important this type of support is. I also began to follow Cassie on IG (although I try to stay off of it) and will reach out to her. Thank you again. I love these type of encounters where there is immediate connection through writing. Sending love to you. xo
Congrats on your new book! It’s a huge accomplishment to write a book.
At this time, my book is available in hard copy only. I’m editing an audible version and a paperback with a new cover that I hope to have done by March- which means the hardcover available now, might go out of print soon.
Sending love right back to you. “What the world needs now, is love, sweet love, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” B.B.
This situation is so upsetting! I can’t imagine how Cassie feels. I don’t see this as cancel culture at all, and I ABHOR cancel culture. This is a clear case of someone doing something blatantly greedy and morally bankrupt, and calling attention to this situation. I saw a Mel Robbins video on YouTube the other day and seeing her promote the Let Them book was so upsetting! I wish these frauds would stop being elevated. That will probably never happen, but it’s so good to make some noise!
Thank you!
I hope Cassie gets the recognition she deserves !
Thank you for calling this out. I wasn't familiar with Cassie's work until I read this. Mel Robbins came on my radar only recently and I started listening to her podcast and had planned to buy her book. No more. How hugely disappointing. I wonder what Oprah would have to say about this since she has been promoting the book as well. The hurt and anger and helplessness Cassie must be feeling over this injustice must be staggering. I admire you for doing what you can to right this wrong and I hope Robbins will step up and do what's right.
Thank you, @Tarachristina! I appreciate you doing that. I’m not at all surprised —as those who interview Mel Robbins, benefit by her (people tune in to watch or listen, advertisers pay, etc.). It’s an incestuous media machine motivated by money and lacking integrity.
If Cassie Phillips were willing to go to court- she has a better chance than most- and it could help protect the rest of us.
Unfortunately, cults create their own rules and then spin the truth to control the narrative.
For example: I’ve noticed that a “go to” comeback to plagiarism in the wellness community is to reference Elizabeth Gilbert’s book BIG MAGIC that discusses the concept of “multiple discovery” - when two people have the same idea at the same time, in order to dismiss the accusations of plagiarism. While it’s true- two people can have the same idea at the same time- this was not that. There’s a clear time line. The similarities are too specific. I feel certain Cassie could win in a court of law if she had the resources to take this to court.
Thank you, very much, for the admiration it takes to put one’s neck on the line to do the right thing. If we all did it- might not feel so scary for those of us who do. I highly recommend it! 🤣❤️🩹🫶
I posted about this in Oprah’s Community Group. It’s getting some interesting discussion, mostly supporting Robbin’s work. Some even dismissing plagiarism as normal. I’m 100% in agreement with authors getting credit for our original work. I appreciate you for bringing this to light Sage!
My best friend introduced me to The Let Them Theory via Mel's podcast. I loved it! Pre-ordered her book and went all in. I only made it about 50 pages before I tapped out, finding it devoid of substance and painfully repetitive. Now I know why! I will absolutely be returning it in solidarity. Part of me wants to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe Mel really did discover it from her daughter who picked it up from a viral post years before. But if Mel had really done her research as she claimed, she would have found Cassie's original piece at some point. This is so disappointing. What a massive injustice to up and coming writers everywhere.
Ironically, I just finished Mel Robbins’ book. This makes me physically sick. I felt the premise was great but a lot of what she said was not really inspiring, Sometimes even flawed. Now I understand. I immediately did some research & I ordered Sage’s book Freedom. I hope we can all help Sage Justice get justice.
Oh thank you so very much!
Thank you! That’s very appreciated.
Here’s a link to Cassie’s book: https://shorturl.at/a72d4
I just had coffee with my mom, she said “hey have you heard the concept “Let Them”?
I asked her “who did you hear it from?”
“The lady with short blond hair and thick black glasses”.
I told her she didn’t create this concept and didn’t credit the creator.
Strange coincidence as I just learnt this a couple days ago.
I feel this so deeply. As the writer who popularized the term “holding space” back in 2015 (though I didn’t originate it and have always credited those who came before), I’ve had my work plagiarized countless times. Even though my book on the topic sold reasonably well, there are other people making far more money off it than I ever have. I watch people like Mel Robbins make more and more money while I make less and less, and I watch AI impersonate us and it just feels more and more discouraging.
You’re 💯 right! Thank you for popularizing the term “holding space.” I’m sorry you didn’t get the credit you deserve.
Appreciate your words and supporting another writer who clearly is talented and inspiring. I love the idea of 'Call Out Culture' to grow empathy and learn from our mistakes. To hold ourselves accountable and evolves as human beings. As Brené Brown says, "I'd rather get it right, than be right."
Thank you, Janine, I appreciate it. Yes, I think if we want people to stop lying to us, we have to make it safe to tell the truth. No one is perfect. I have no desire to drag Mel through the dirt. I also have no desire to have my words stolen or those of other independent writers. In my book, FREEDOM, I write about how empathy is actually similar to revenge, for it’s a desire for someone to know how we feel. If the world were to become more empathetic, I believe we would be more compelled to lift someone up as we rise, rather than step on others to have a greater reach.
Beautifully said!
Sage and Cassie... I just preordered Cassie's book. One way we can help Cassie with this is not only by buying her book but also by leaving reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and the sites of other booksellers. I certainly will and hope others do too.
That’s a great idea.
MR is just way too shouty for me. I couldn’t get past 2 minutes of a podcast with her. Not saying she’s bad- I’m sure she has valid things to say but just not for me.
Listening to the audible was a challenge for me for the same reason.
I meant to say also that I’m sorry you had to go through that. (I had no sleep last night 😔)
Sage... I'm glad you're writing about this. I'm a psychotherapist and an author. While I'm familiar with Mel Robbins, I have not followed her nor have I read her books. I learned of you, Cassie Phillips, the Let Them movement, and Mel's use of "let them" only a few weeks ago. This injustice is upsetting to me on many levels. As an author myself, using other people's content and ideas is simply not ethical. It's certainly unkind. But what upsets me the most is the injustice to Cassie. I hope Mel ultimately publicly acknowledges that Cassie started this movement and that she apologies for, perhaps unintentionally, using this material for her book. I don't know the legalities of this but it is simply wrong.
Cassie... I am sorry this happened to you and I hope you pursue justice in whatever form that takes. I look forward to reading your book.
Thank you for your empathy and compassion.
Now this makes sense why I felt everyone was way too inspired by “Let Them” it felt cheap and easy and irked every time I heard it being quoted. I must have felt the deceit lol.
I liked Mel’s five second rule- that was hers! It was totally hers.
This reminded me of The Simpsons episode where Bart became famous for “I didn’t do it” he had to go on every talk show and say “I didn’t do it” Conan saying “just do the line” when bart wanted to talk about other things
Another Substack writer reached out to me and said “The 5 second rule” was also stolen.