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User's honest negative review of a service was removed and subsequent attempts to repost were filtered, leading them to believe the business flagged it to suppress criticism. There is a need for Google to ensure its filtering system does not unfairly suppress legitimate negative customer experiences and maintains review integrity.
I hired dating coach Pete O'Neal for a 3-month program at $3,500. It was one of the worst investments I've ever made. I'm posting this because my Google review was removed - I believe Pete flagged it - and people deserve to know what they're getting into. **The sales pitch**: Our intro call took place on February 5, 2025. Before we'd even worked together once, he immediately pushed me to upgrade to 6 months. First red flag: he was more interested in upselling than figuring out if we were even a good fit. **Cookie-cutter coaching**: His approach was completely one-size-fits-all. He pushed Latin dance classes multiple times a week despite me finding the nightclub atmosphere overwhelming and counterproductive. When I told him this, his advice was to "just shout" and “talk to guys nearby.” He even recommended I go on specific days because another client did. It was bizarre. **Vague and useless advice**: I came to him wanting to improve my dating conversations and build deeper connections. Instead I got buzzwords like "go into Headquarters" - his term for talking about surface-level "fun" topics. He never tried to understand what I was actually looking for. **Fitness advice with no flexibility**: He pushed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relentlessly, claiming it "burns 1,000 calories per workout" despite me showing no interest. When I suggested alternatives, he dismissed them entirely. No flexibility whatsoever. **The photo shoot**: After the shoot, I was suddenly asked in front of the photographer to Venmo an $80 tip because he "drove a long way." Never disclosed in advance. I felt pressured to pay on the spot. The photos themselves were staged, lacked variety, and didn't improve my results. **The worst moment**: When I brought up the lack of matches on my dating profiles, Pete didn’t consider the photos might be the issue. Instead, he blamed my physical appearance and asked, “Do you think hot girls - like 9s or 10s - want to fuck you?” He called it “real talk,” but it was insulting and unhelpful. Rather than constructive feedback, he used shame-based tactics that made me feel worse. **The refund dispute**: I had to pause midway due to a medical issue. When I requested a prorated refund - which was explicitly allowed in our signed agreement - he refused. I disputed with AmEx twice and lost both times despite Pete providing no new information. I never got my money back. **The Google review**: I left an honest review on Google. It was removed. When I tried to repost it, it was filtered again. I believe Pete flagged it to suppress honest customer feedback - which tells you something about how he handles criticism. Make of that what you will. **Bottom line**: Pete O'Neal is not someone you can trust with your money or your emotional well-being. He preys on vulnerable people looking for genuine help, delivers generic one-size-fits-all coaching, and has no integrity when it comes to honoring agreements. If you're considering hiring a dating coach, look for someone who actually listens, adapts to your needs, and treats you with basic respect. Pete O'Neal is not that person.