The conference apparently sparked little interest on the part of news organizations. In a company statement presaging the meeting, distributors said they were asking for an end to "lies and smears" about the company, and questioned Ackman's motitvation in championing Latino causes. Pyramid scheme assertion 'simply false' In its statement, Herbalife responded in turn to some other criticisms that Ackman has raised. In alleging that the company is a 'pyramid scheme,' Ackman has charged in the past that the company's business model is based primarily on recruiting new members and selling them the business opportunity, and that the products themselves are a mere side show. The company calls this assertion " simply false," and counters that it has been in business since 1980 and offers 'world class' products in more than 90 countries. This success would only be possible, Herbalife says, if the company's protein shakes, vitamins, dietary supplements and energy and fitness drinks met consumer expectations.