Melinda Jacobs, known for her advocacy following the tragic death of her foster daughter Esmeralda, faces criticism for allegedly profiting from Esmeralda's story. Jacobs addresses the controversy on TV4, expressing regret over a product launch perceived as exploitative. Despite announcing her resignation from the charity she founded, she remains involved amid ongoing disputes.
Melinda Jacobs Responds to Controversy: 'I Regret It'
Melinda Jacobs Responds to Controversy: 'I Regret It'
Melinda Jacobs is accused of profiting from the fate of her former foster daughter, and an open conflict with the board of the Lilla hjärtats vänförening has erupted.
"My only intention has been to do good," Jacobs tells TV4's Nyhetsmorgon.
Three-year-old Esmeralda died in 2020, and her mother was convicted of manslaughter. The tragedy sparked strong reactions across the country, and Esmeralda's foster mother, Melinda Jacobs, 41, founded the non-profit Lilla hjärtats vänförening to support foster children.
Since then, Jacobs has appeared in many public contexts, sharing the story of Esmeralda, also known as "Lilla hjärtat."
'Landed Very Wrong'
Recently, much attention has been directed at the association and Jacobs, following heated conflicts within the board. Jacobs was accused of exploiting "Lilla hjärtat" as a brand to make money when she launched hair care products named "Heart for heart" with two influencers.
She now addresses the criticism on TV4's Nyhetsmorgon, explaining that the intention was never for the hair products to be associated with Esmeralda.
"I have realized that it landed very wrong. I regret it and wish we had done it differently. The idea was never for it to be linked to Esmeralda," she says.
Remains Despite Announcing Resignation
Following internal conflicts in the association, Jacobs announced she would leave the organization, but it recently emerged that this is not the case—she remains involved.
"During our last board meeting, I said I would resign if they changed the association's name. But that's still a bit unclear; I haven't received an answer on whether they will do it or not. Now it has become a public conflict, and I wish it had never happened," says Melinda Jacobs.