Influencer marketing has become a huge industry in recent years, with social media stars and celebrities raking in millions of dollars by promoting products and brands to their millions of followers. However, as the industry has grown, so too have the controversies surrounding it. In some cases, influencers have gone too far in their pursuit of fame and fortune, leading to scandals and reputational damage. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “Influencer gone wild.“
One of the most common ways that influencers can go wild is by engaging in unethical behavior. This can include everything from failing to disclose sponsored posts to deliberately misleading their followers about the benefits of a product or service. In some cases, influencers have even been caught promoting scams or pyramid schemes, which can seriously harm their followers.
One example of an influencer gone wild is YouTuber Logan Paul. In 2018, Paul posted a video of himself and his friends exploring Japan’s “suicide forest,” where they stumbled upon a dead body. Rather than immediately turning off the camera and reporting the incident, Paul and his friends made jokes and continued filming. The video received widespread backlash, and Paul was forced to apologize and take a break from social media.
Another example is beauty influencer James Charles, who has been accused of inappropriate behavior toward minors. Charles has faced allegations of grooming and manipulation, as well as accusations of using his fame to take advantage of young fans. The controversy has led to brands severing ties with Charles and a significant drop in his following.
Influencers gone wild don’t just cause harm to themselves; they can also impact the public perception of their industry as a whole. For example, the scandal surrounding beauty YouTubers Tati Westbrook and James Charles led to a renewed discussion about the lack of regulation in the influencer industry and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Let’s see some examples of an influencer gone wild
Olivia Jade Giannulli
One example of an influencer gone wild with illegal behavior is the case of Olivia Jade Giannulli, the daughter of actress Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli. In 2019, her parents were arrested and charged with fraud for allegedly paying $500,000 in bribes to get their two daughters into the University of Southern California (USC) as fake crew recruits.
Olivia Jade was also implicated in the scandal as she had falsely presented herself as a rowing team recruit on her college application, despite never having participated in the sport. Moreover, she had collaborated with Sephora and other brands to promote her college lifestyle on social media, which had helped her gain a large following.
After the scandal broke, Olivia Jade’s social media accounts were flooded with negative comments and calls for her to be held accountable for her role in the college admissions fraud. Some of her brand partnerships were also dropped, including Sephora and TRESemmé, due to the backlash.
In May 2020, her parents pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, and in August, they were sentenced to prison. Olivia Jade herself was not charged, but she faced severe criticism for her complicity in the scheme and her lack of remorse. In December 2020, she posted a YouTube video, which was widely criticized for its perceived insincerity and lack of accountability.
The college admissions scandal involving Olivia Jade and her parents is an example of an influencer gone wild with illegal behavior. It highlights the dark side of influencer culture, where fame and wealth can be used to bend the rules and gain an unfair advantage. The scandal also shows that even the most powerful influencers are not immune to the consequences of their actions and can face severe backlash and public scrutiny if they cross the line.
Bhad Bhabie (Danielle Bregoli)
Bhad Bhabie rose to fame after appearing on the Dr. Phil show and coining the phrase “Cash me outside, how ’bout dah?” She later became a rapper and social media personality. In 2020, she was accused of promoting a “scam” beauty brand, which she denied. However, it was later revealed that she was a co-owner of the brand, and she was sued by a former executive for fraud and breach of contract.
Jake Paul
Jake Paul is a YouTuber and former Disney Channel star who has been involved in several controversies. In 2017, he was accused of bullying his neighbors and causing a disturbance in his West Hollywood neighborhood. He was also sued by a former teammate for breach of contract and fraud related to their joint business ventures.
Belle Delphine
Belle Delphine is a cosplayer and online personality who gained attention for selling her “bathwater” to fans. In 2020, she was arrested and charged with violating the U.K.’s Obscene Publications Act for a video she posted on social media. The charges were later dropped, but the incident raised questions about the legality of her content and the boundaries of influencer marketing.
Lil Tay
Lil Tay is a rapper and social media influencer who gained notoriety for her foul-mouthed videos and lavish lifestyle. In 2018, it was revealed that her mother was coaching her and that much of her persona was staged. Her mother was fired from her job as a real estate agent, and Lil Tay’s Instagram account was deleted.
In conclusion, influencers hold a great deal of power, but with that power comes responsibility. When influencers go too far and become “influencers gone wild,” it not only harms their reputation but also has a negative impact on the industry as a whole. It’s important for influencers, brands, and platforms to take steps to prevent this kind of behavior and ensure that the influencer industry remains a positive and responsible force in the digital world.
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FAQ
How to Find the Right Influencer for Your Brand?
Influencer marketing can be an effective way to reach new audiences and promote your brand, but it’s important to find the right influencer to work with. Here are some tips on how to find the right influencer for your brand:
- Define your goals: Before you start looking for influencers, it’s important to define your marketing goals. What do you want to achieve with your influencer campaign? Do you want to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or boost engagement? Understanding your goals will help you identify the right influencer for your needs.
- Identify your target audience: Who are your target customers? What are their interests, values, and behaviors? Knowing your target audience will help you find an influencer who can reach them effectively.
- Research potential influencers: Look for influencers who align with your brand values, products, and services. Check their social media profiles and website to see if their content and style match your brand. You can also use influencer marketing platforms like AspireIQ, Influencer.co, or Upfluence to find potential influencers.
- Analyze engagement and reach: Look at the influencer’s engagement and reach metrics to see how engaged their followers are and how far their content can reach. You can use social media analytics tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to analyze their metrics.
- Check for authenticity: Authenticity is crucial in influencer marketing. Look for influencers who are transparent about sponsored content and who promote products and services that align with their personal values and interests.
- Negotiate terms and compensation: Once you’ve found the right influencer, negotiate the terms and compensation for the partnership. Be clear about the deliverables, timeline, and expectations for both parties.
