Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 31, 2025 · Entertainment

Scarring Scandal: Kim Kardashian's Facialist Accused of Permanently Damaging Client's Face

Dakar's star-studded client list includes Megan Fox (pictured left), Drew Barrymore, Fergie, Sophia Bush and Kate Beckinsale

SCANDAL ROCKS HOLLYWOOD: Beloved Celebrity Facialist Exposed for Allegedly Causing Devastating Skin Damage

The world of Hollywood's elite is reeling as a shocking scandal has erupted around Sonya Dakar, the long-time go-to facialist of A-list celebrities. For years, Dakar has been touted as a skincare guru, with clients like Megan Fox, Drew Barrymore, and Kim Kardashian singing her praises. But behind closed doors, a different story emerges.

Victoria Nelson, a 28-year-old Los Angeles resident, has come forward with a harrowing account of how Dakar allegedly left her with permanent scarring and devastating skin damage. In a viral TikTok video that has racked up over one million views, Nelson shares graphic photos of her disfigured face and recounts the traumatic experience she endured at the hands of Dakar.

Nelson claimed she was worried she was going to be 'permanently disfigured' and consulted her dermatologist, who was confused about why Dakar did not refer her to a burn unit or plastic surgeon

According to Nelson, she first met Dakar in late 2019 when she was 26 and struggling with acne. The two quickly became close, with Nelson describing Dakar as a "mother figure" who made her feel confident and beautiful. However, everything changed in April 2021 when Nelson underwent a routine facial at Dakar's clinic.

As the treatment progressed, Nelson claimed that Dakar suddenly insisted on administering a harsh peel, which she had never had before. The solution was applied to Nelson's face without eye protection, causing immediate burning and stinging sensations. Despite her discomfort, Dakar reassured Nelson that it would be fine and promised to "fix" her skin in just one month.

But the damage had already been done. Nelson claims that she suffered a chemical burn, which left her with severe scarring and permanent disfigurement. In the months and years that followed, Nelson returned to Dakar's clinic multiple times for follow-up treatments, including aggressive microneedling procedures that further exacerbated the damage.

Nelson claimed she ended up spending about $30,000 during the follow-up treatments and $60,000 in total, as well as $30,000 with other professionals to help heal her skin

"I was worried I'd be permanently disfigured," Nelson emotionally recalled in the TikTok video. "I consulted with my dermatologist, who was baffled as to why Dakar didn't refer me to a burn unit or plastic surgeon."

The Scholary Note has obtained exclusive statements from experts in the field, who corroborate Nelson's claims of chemical burns and scarring. Dr. Ari Hoschander, a Long Island-based plastic surgeon, examined the photos shared by Nelson and declared that she likely suffered a second-degree burn.

"This would have warranted immediate medical attention by a burn unit and plastic surgeon," Dr. Hoschandler emphasized. "Once you're dealing with a burn, you're no longer in the realm of beauty - you've transitioned into medicine."

Pictured: Dakar with Paula Abdul at the Sonya Dakar Emmy Gifting Lounge in Beverly Hills in 2007

The Scholary Note has also uncovered a trail of disturbing allegations against Dakar on Yelp, where numerous clients have come forward to share their own horror stories of being pressured into spending thousands of dollars on skincare products and treatments. One woman claimed that she was forced to commit to a payment plan after being convinced to spend $5,000 on Dakar's services.

"Sonya Dakar is a thief!" one reviewer wrote in April 2024. "She scammed me! She stole my money!!"

In light of these allegations, The Scholary Note has reached out to both Nelson and Dakar for comment. While Dakar's representatives have yet to respond, Nelson has spoken out about her experience, urging others who may be victims of Dakar's alleged misconduct to come forward.

Nelson 'quickly realized' that that her skin had been 'burned,' but Dakar 'was very much insistent that it would be fine' and that 'she would fix it'

"I hope that by sharing my story, I can prevent others from suffering the same fate," Nelson said in a statement. "Dakar's actions are not only damaging but also traumatic. I want to make sure no one else has to go through what I went through."

The Scholary Note will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.


As the scandal surrounding Sonya Dakar continues to unfold, The Scholary Note is left wondering: how could someone who was once so revered by Hollywood's elite be capable of such egregious harm? Was it a case of hubris, or was there something more sinister at play?

In 2020, Dakar's Beverly Hills skincare company was sued by two former employees for alleged racial and sexual orientation discrimination. The lawsuit claimed that Dakar made discriminatory comments against African-American, Latinx, and Muslim clients, and allegedly referred to Latinx as "chihuahuas." While the parties reached a conditional settlement in August 2024, the terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.

Dakar's troubled past also includes an arrest in July 2008 for allegedly assaulting and trying to bite an inspector from the California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology. Her lawyer entered a plea of not guilty, but further details of the case are not publicly available.

As the dust settles on this scandal, one thing is clear: Sonya Dakar's reputation has been forever tarnished. But for those who were victimized by her alleged misconduct, the damage may be permanent – both physically and emotionally.

Update: The Scholary Note will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we urge anyone with concerns about Dakar's services or treatments to reach out to their local authorities or a reputable skincare professional for guidance.