Comedian Leigh Francis, aka Keith Lemon, has taken to Instagram to condemn attempts to cash in on the death of his friend, Caroline Flack.
Last weekend, the comedian designed and released #BeKind T-shirts after Caroline tragically took her own life.
He promised that 100 per cent of the profits would go to the Samaritans charity.
The public was touched by the kind gesture and thousands rushed to buy the shirts, the Manchester Evening News reports.
However, Keith revealed on Instagram that some retailers had stolen his design and were selling fake ones, without donating any of the proceeds to charity.
He said: "Just wanted to say Fanks [sic] so much to every one for buying the #bekind t-shirt 11,280 sold last count.
"Unfortunately, a company called @teespring has stolen the design and has started selling them. That’s profits that would’ve gone to Samaritans.
"Hopefully they’ll do the right thing and hand over what profits they make to the Samaritans. Can’t trust anyone! Disappointing."
However, Teespring reacted swiftly, prompting Keith to post an update, which reads: "Hi it’s me again! Sorry t’ bother ya. Ok @teespring seems to have taken down those fake t-shirts now. Good! If by chance they sold any it’d be nice if they passed on the $$ to @samaritanscharity .
"Last count we’d sold 11,280! Once again big Fanks to everyone who has already bought one! You are the RADest! If ya still an’t got one and ya want one ya get them from www.kilclothes.com cheers!"
Teespring responded to the allegations by posting a photo to their Instagram story which read: "Hi @Keithlemon. Teespring as a user-generated platform and all designs are created by independent individuals.
"In response to your recent post, we have ensured the seller's account has been disabled. Rest assured, we do not support this behaviour on our platform and will work with you to make this right."
The company also told the Sun online: "Teespring takes infringement very seriously. If we receive any complaint or allegation that a design or any resulting merchandise constitutes an unauthorised use of a third party’s rights, we will terminate the campaign accordingly.
"This includes charitable campaigns - we categorically do not support the promotion of or profiting from designs created for a charitable cause.
"This seller’s products have been removed, the account suspended and the seller has made no profit. Keith Lemon has thanked Teespring for the immediate removal, and as an act of support for the cause, Teespring has made a donation to The Samaritans."
If you want to purchase one of Keith's #BeKind T-shirts, you can buy them from the KIL Clothes website here.
