Statement on Recent False Allegations
Recent Letters:
It has come to our attention that false and damaging statements have recently been circulated on social media about Language Connection LLC and its founder, Tolú Tahmassbi. These statements, made by interpreter Ines Venturini, falsely accuse us of attempting to scam or defraud interpreters.
These allegations are categorically false. We have always paid our interpreters promptly and in their preferred method of payment. In this case, Ms. Venturini was issued a timely payment through PayPal, which she purposely rejected. After doing so, she began harassing one of our valued clients, White and Sheppard, and even went so far as to threaten us with false claims that “the feds are investigating you.”
This is not an isolated incident. We have learned that Ms. Venturini has engaged in similar behavior against other companies and appears to be obsessed with damaging our reputation.
We take these attacks very seriously. A lawsuit is being filed against Ms. Venturini for defamation, libel, and tortious interference with business relations, and she has been formally reported to the Oregon Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Services for misconduct.
As a single mother and sole provider, Ms. Tahmassbi’s reputation and livelihood are being directly harmed by these reckless falsehoods. Nevertheless, Language Connection LLC remains committed to integrity, professionalism, and serving our clients with the highest standards of interpretation and translation services.
Timeline of Events
Summer 2024
Ines Venturini contacts Language Connection to offer her interpretation services, stating she resides in Southern Oregon and wishes to work remotely.
Shortly After First Assignment
Ms. Venturini completes a 2-hour assignment for a Language Connection client, White and Sheppard.
Language Connection promptly issues a PayPal payment to Ms. Venturini for her work.
Before accepting the payment, Ms. Venturini sends an unauthorized invoice directly to the client, White and Sheppard.
August 31, 2025
Tolú Tahmassbi of Language Connection emails Ms. Venturini, stating that invoicing the client directly was inappropriate and terminating their professional relationship.
Following the Termination Email (Late 2025)
Ms. Venturini begins sending multiple harassing emails to the client, White and Sheppard, who eventually tell her to cease contact.
She intentionally rejects the PayPal payment issued by Language Connection.
She begins a campaign alleging that Tolú Tahmassbi and Language Connection are scammers. This includes posting defamatory statements in large interpreter Facebook groups and sending mass emails to other certified court interpreters.
Subsequent Period
Tolú Tahmassbi is alerted to the defamatory posts and emails by colleagues and a paralegal.
The false narrative spreads within the interpreter community, damaging the professional reputation of Ms. Tahmassbi and Language Connection.
A formal cease and desist letter is sent to Ms. Venturini via legal counsel. (View Legal Letter)
Ongoing
Despite the cease and desist letter, Ms. Venturini has not retracted her statements and continues the alleged defamatory behavior.
Language Connection is pursuing legal action against Ms. Venturini.
Ms. Venturini has been reported to the Oregon Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Program.
Summary of Impact and Current Status
The false allegations have spread widely among the interpreter community, causing serious damage to Tolú Tahmassbi’s professional reputation and her company’s standing. The damage to her livelihood has been significant, especially as she is a single mother and the sole provider for her household.
Language Connection asserts that the allegations are entirely false and that they possess full documentation to prove Ms. Venturini was never scammed or wronged. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, including a formal cease and desist letter, her continued behavior has forced the company to expend significant time, resources, and legal fees to stop the harassment and seek a retraction of all false claims.
The Facts – Q&A
Did Language Connection LLC try to scam or “phish” an interpreter?
Absolutely not. We issued prompt payment through PayPal, which Ms. Venturini intentionally rejected.
Does Language Connection LLC pay its interpreters fairly and on time?
Yes. We honor all contracts and pay promptly according to the interpreter’s chosen payment method.
Why is this interpreter making these claims?
After rejecting her own payment, Ms. Venturini began harassing our client White and Sheppard, threatened us by saying “the feds are investigating you,” and launched a campaign of false accusations. We have also learned she has done this to other companies.
What steps are being taken?
Legal action is underway, including a defamation lawsuit, and a formal complaint has been filed with the Oregon Judicial Department.