Renita Francois, a former New York City Hall official, has filed a lawsuit against Bath & Body Works and Premier Candle Corp after a candle she purchased exploded in her face, causing second-degree burns and permanent scarring. The incident occurred on January 19, 2023, at her home in Valley Stream, Long Island, according to the New York Post.
Francois had lit a three-wick “Sweater Weather” candle from Bath & Body Works when, as she leaned in to smell it, the candle suddenly exploded. The blast sent flames and debris directly into her face, leaving her with burns so severe that her eyelashes and eyebrows were singed off, and her skin was left “sizzling,” she said.
“The pain was instant, unrelenting, and beyond anything I had ever experienced,” Francois stated in her court filing.
Husband Witnessed Horrific Scene
Francois’s husband, McEvans, witnessed the explosion and its immediate aftermath. The couple’s lawsuit describes how he watched in horror as his wife’s face “caught fire, crackled, and blistered” from the molten wax.
She was rushed to the emergency room and treated for second-degree burns on her face and arms. A mother of two, Francois says the trauma from the incident has left her not only physically scarred but emotionally shaken, severely impacting her confidence and professional life.
“My Scars Speak Before I Do”
Prior to the accident, Francois was a high-profile public speaker and served as executive director for the Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety. “Before the explosion, Renita was bold, fearless, and effortless in commanding an audience,” the lawsuit reads. “Today, she dreads stepping into rooms where her scars speak before she does.”
She now describes each public appearance as an emotional battle and a constant reminder of a tragedy she believes was preventable.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
Filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, Francois’s lawsuit targets both Bath & Body Works and its Canadian manufacturer, Premier Candle Corp. She alleges the $17 candle was manufactured with “substandard materials,” lacked proper safety testing, and included chemical additives that made it dangerously flammable.
Francois also cites a history of safety concerns, pointing to a 2016 product recall that involved reports of exploding candles, shattered glass, and burns from molten wax.
“This Is About Accountability”
While seeking damages, Francois insists her legal action goes beyond financial compensation. “This lawsuit is not just about compensation—it is about accountability,” she said. “It is about making sure corporations that put profit ahead of consumer safety don’t get away with it.”
Francois’s case adds to growing concerns over candle safety standards and marks a high-profile challenge to one of the nation’s largest fragrance and home goods retailers.
