You’ve probably seen the stickers. Maybe you’ve seen the tattoos. "Let Them." Two simple words that have recently exploded into a massive self-help movement, largely fueled by the high-octane marketing engine of Mel Robbins. But as the book The Let Them Theory climbed the bestseller lists in late 2024 and throughout 2025, a sticky question started trailing it: Did Mel Robbins steal Let Them?
The short answer is messy. It’s not just a "yes" or "no" situation. It's a collision between viral poetry, ancient philosophy, and a high-stakes trademark battle that has left a lot of people feeling, well, a little grossed out.
The Origin Story In Question
Mel Robbins tells a very specific story. She says she "discovered" the concept in May 2023, sparked by a situation involving her son’s prom and her own tendency to micromanage. It makes for a great podcast clip. It’s relatable. It’s "classic Mel."
But the internet has receipts.
Long before Mel’s viral video, a poet named Cassie Phillips (sometimes referred to as Cassie B. Phillips) wrote a poem titled "Let Them." It wasn't just a quiet little poem, either. It went viral in 2022. We’re talking thousands of shares, people getting the words tattooed on their arms, and a legitimate grassroots movement.
The Timeline Discrepancy
Let's look at the dates, because they matter.
- 2022: Cassie Phillips' poem goes viral.
- May 19, 2023: Mel Robbins posts her first "Let Them" video.
- July 2024: Mel Robbins Productions, Inc. files for a trademark on the phrase "Let Them."
- December 2024: Mel releases the full book.
The weird part? In her media appearances, Mel has often claimed that her post was the reason people started getting these tattoos. But if you scroll back through Instagram or Facebook, you’ll see the "Let Them" ink appearing months—and in some cases a year—before Mel ever mentioned it.
Is It Plagiarism or Just "Parallel Play"?
When asked about the similarities, Robbins hasn't exactly been quick to share the spotlight. In statements to outlets like The New York Post and The Guardian, she has essentially doubled down. Her stance? She hasn't read the poem. She hasn't seen the poem. To her, this is "nonsense."
She argues that the concept of "letting them" is ancient. And honestly? She’s kinda right about that part.
You can find the "Let Them" DNA in:
- Stoicism: Marcus Aurelius was basically saying "let them" 2,000 years ago when he wrote about focusing only on what we can control.
- Al-Anon: The "Three Cs" (I didn't cause it, I can't control it, I can't cure it) have been the backbone of addiction support for decades.
- The Serenity Prayer: It's the same fundamental energy.
- Tyler Perry: Even Cassie Phillips admits her poem was inspired by a Madea monologue.
So, nobody "owns" the idea of detachment. But there is a huge difference between teaching an old concept and claiming you "discovered" it while trying to trademark the branding that someone else already made viral.
The Trademark Drama
This is where the "theft" allegations get some serious teeth. It’s one thing to write a book about an idea. It’s another thing to try and legally own the phrase.
Mel Robbins attempted to trademark "Let Them" and "Let Them Theory" for everything from books to t-shirts and houseware. This move backfired in the court of public opinion. Critics, including Substack writer Sage Justice, have been vocal about the ethics of a wealthy, influential creator trying to gatekeep a phrase that was already being used by a grassroots community.
As of early 2026, the USPTO has been a bit of a wall for her. Many of these applications faced "Failure to Function" hurdles. Basically, the government says: "You can't trademark a common phrase that people use as a general life philosophy." It would be like trying to trademark the phrase "Have a nice day."
Why People Are Actually Mad
It isn't just about the words. It's about the power dynamic.
Cassie Phillips is a writer who built something from nothing. Mel Robbins is a powerhouse with a massive platform. When Mel "popularizes" something without acknowledging the people who were already doing the work, it feels like erasure.
In her book, Mel does credit various sources—Buddhism, Stoicism, and even a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.’s son. But the specific name "Cassie Phillips" is notably absent. For many fans of the original poem, that feels intentional. It feels like a way to keep the "discovery" narrative clean for marketing purposes.
The Verdict
Did she "steal" it? If you mean "did she copy a legal patent," no. You can't patent an idea. If you mean "did she take a phrase that was already trending, build a brand around it, and then try to legally prevent others from using it," then the evidence is pretty loud.
Honestly, the "Let Them" philosophy is genuinely helpful. It’s a great tool for people-pleasers and control freaks. But you don't need to buy a $30 hardcover to use it.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to practice "Let Them" without the baggage of the controversy, here is how to do it authentically:
- Read the original source: Go find Cassie Phillips' poem. It’s short, punchy, and free. It captures the emotional core of the movement without the corporate polish.
- Look into Radical Acceptance: This is the psychological framework Mel is using. If you want the "science" version, look up Marsha Linehan.
- Audit the "Let Me" part: The real power of the theory isn't just letting others be wrong; it's the "Let Me" follow-up. Let them be disappointed; let me be at peace. Let them judge; let me stay true to myself.
- Support the originators: If you like the "Let Them" merch, check out smaller creators on Etsy or Cassie's own platforms rather than waiting for a mass-produced version.
Ultimately, "Let Them" belongs to everyone. That’s the whole point of the philosophy—you can’t control it, so don't try to own it.