Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Nara Smith On Ozempic? Influencer Addresses Claims She\’s On The Diabetes Drug
Nara Smith, a popular TikTok influencer, recently found herself at the center of speculation regarding her use of Ozempic, a medication often prescribed for diabetes but sometimes used for weight loss. The rumors began after she shared a video on TikTok where she made homemade potato chips while wearing a form-fitting black dress. Fans quickly noticed her slim post-pregnancy figure, leading some to suggest that her appearance was due to the drug. One commenter even asked for her “Ozempic recipe,” while another urged her to stop using it. However, Nara, known for her from-scratch recipes and cooking videos, did not remain silent. She addressed the comments directly, stating, \"Let\'s stop accusing people of taking Ozempic.\" Her response highlights the harm that can come from making assumptions about someone\'s body based on appearances alone. Nara Smith, who shares three children with her husband, model Lucky Blue Smith, has faced public scrutiny before. Earlier this month, she responded to criticism labeling her social media content as promoting a \"tradwife\" lifestyle—a term referring to women who embrace traditional gender roles. In an interview with GQ, Nara clarified that her content reflects her genuine passions for food and fashion, rather than any adherence to traditional gender roles. She emphasized that she and her husband are equal partners in their household, with Nara focusing on her love for creating and sharing recipes, and Lucky often helping with cleanup. Nara\'s candid response to the Ozempic rumors and the tradwife criticism underscores her commitment to authenticity. She encourages her followers to focus on what truly matters—pursuing their passions and living life on their own terms. Whether she’s sharing a new recipe or addressing rumors, Nara Smith continues to inspire her audience by staying true to herself and her family.
Influencer Blasted For Using Audio About Rape-Murder Case In Her GRWM Video
Indian influencer Sarah Sarosh has recently faced intense criticism for a controversial Instagram post where she combined makeup application with the sensitive topic of a rape and murder case in Kolkata. The now-deleted video featured on her Instagram account showed Sarah Sarosh applying serums and makeup while a voiceover discussed the horrific crime of a doctor being raped and murdered inside a hospital. The stark contrast between the serious subject matter and the lighthearted \"Get Ready With Me\" (GRWM) visuals sparked immediate backlash. As an influencer known for her beauty content, Sarah Sarosh\'s Instagram feed is typically filled with makeup tutorials and product recommendations. However, this particular post, which seemed to trivialize a deeply serious issue, outraged many. Social media users, especially on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), were quick to condemn the video as insensitive and inappropriate. The disconnect between the grave voiceover and the cheerful makeup routine led to hundreds of complaints, with many accusing Indian influencers like Sarosh of going to extreme lengths for engagement. \"This is so distasteful and insensitive. She will do anything for views,\" one Reddit user commented, highlighting the growing concern about the ethics of content creation among Indian influencers. Another user criticized the lack of relevance between the audio and video, questioning why Sarah Sarosh makeup routines were being linked to such a tragic event. \"If she really had to talk about this topic, she could’ve sat down rather than doing a GRWM. How are the audio and video related? Why would you upload a GRWM while talking about something so insensitive?\" Despite deleting the video shortly after posting it, screen recordings of the controversial content began circulating on other social media platforms. The reactions on X echoed those on Reddit, with users labeling the video \"absolutely disgusting\" and questioning the moral boundaries influencers like Sarah Sarosh are willing to cross for likes and attention. \"Looks like there’s no end to how low they can go for likes. Nothing is off limits. No basic human decency is required,\" one user remarked, reflecting the widespread disappointment with certain Indian influencers. In the wake of the backlash, Sarah Sarosh issued an apology through her Instagram Story. She explained that the video had been filmed two months earlier and that she had not anticipated how tone-deaf it would appear when paired with a voiceover about such a sensitive topic. \"I posted a GRWM reel yesterday which was shot 2 months ago with a voiceover on the current affairs of the rape & murder incident,\" she wrote. \"While editing it, I did not realize how tone-deaf it would be… I deleted the video within the first 5 minutes of posting it because the comments made me realize instantly that the messaging is distasteful.\" Sarah Sarosh expressed her regret and apologized to those affected, promising to address the case in a more mindful manner in the future. However, this incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of Indian influencers like Sarah Sarosh and the ethical considerations that should be made when creating content on sensitive topics.
Captiv8 Named \’Best Influencer Marketing Company\’ In Prestigious 2024 MarTech Breakthrough Awards
Captiv8, a leading influencer marketing platform, has been awarded the title of \"Best Influencer Marketing Company\" at the 7th annual MarTech Breakthrough Awards 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights Captiv8’s significant impact on the marketing, sales, and advertising technology industries, establishing it as one of the best influencer marketing agencies in the market today. Captiv8 is renowned for empowering enterprise brands through its innovative platform, which optimizes every stage of the influencer marketing process. The company’s comprehensive solutions, including advanced influencer marketing strategies, enable brands to connect with creators and drive engagement using data-driven insights. Recent innovations introduced by Captiv8 span across the marketing funnel. These include the Audience Matching tool, which helps brands identify creators who resonate with their target customers, and the Influencer Velocity Index, which tracks influencer growth and engagement. Additionally, Captiv8 leverages AI and machine learning to discover ideal creator-brand partnerships, while its Predictive Performance Analysis delivers highly accurate forecasts. The platform also features Enhanced Workflow Tools that simplify campaign management, making it a standout among influencer marketing agencies. In the middle of the marketing funnel, Captiv8’s Creator Storefronts allow brands and influencers to maximize their impact. Brand Influencer Portals offer curated collections, and Creator-Specific Discount Codes further boost engagement. The platform also provides rich analytics and reporting, delivering detailed insights for both brands and creators. At the bottom of the funnel, Captiv8’s platform enables seamless integration with affiliate platforms and company BI systems, enhancing data portability and streamlining operations. Additionally, Creator-Friendly Sign-Up and Reporting features, along with tools for measuring tangible business impacts—such as brand awareness and direct financial outcomes—demonstrate Captiv8\'s commitment to offering a holistic approach to influencer marketing. Krishna Subramanian, CEO and co-founder of Captiv8, expressed pride in the company’s achievements. \"We are not just a technology provider; we are a partner in driving innovation, inclusion, and success in influencer marketing. Every day, we aim to deliver an exceptional product and an unparalleled experience for our customers as we remain dedicated to surpassing expectations,\" Subramanian said. The MarTech Breakthrough Awards, which recognize excellence in marketing, sales, and advertising technology, received thousands of nominations from over 15 countries this year. Steve Johansson, Managing Director at MarTech Breakthrough, highlighted Captiv8’s holistic approach and its focus on diversity and empowering the next generation of creators. He noted that 59% of consumers are more likely to engage with brands that partner with creators, underscoring the importance of having a robust influencer marketing strategy. In addition to its cutting-edge technology, Captiv8 prioritizes diverse leadership and inclusive initiatives. Their Creator Connect program at UCLA equips aspiring influencers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. The program also supports minority-owned businesses by providing them with advanced marketing tools, further cementing Captiv8’s reputation as one of the best influencer marketing agencies in the industry.
Jojo Siwa\’s New Girlfriend Is Also Famous Dancer: Who Is Dakayla Wilson?
JoJo Siwa has officially revealed her new relationship with \"So You Think You Can Dance\" alum Dakayla Wilson, sparking excitement among fans. On August 14, the 21-year-old former Dance Moms star shared a video on her Instagram Stories, showcasing her and Dakayla Wilson together during a dance class. In the clip, Wilson, known for her impressive performances on SYTYCD season 18, danced in front of a mirror before happily announcing to the room, \"So I have a girlfriend,\" which was met with cheers and excitement. The video ended with Siwa and Wilson embracing in a joyful bear hug. Siwa captioned the video with a playful message, \"Cats outta the bag 😺,\" and tagged Wilson. Wilson, who gained fame through her appearance on SYTYCD season 18, reposted the clip on her own Instagram, adding, \"surprise shawtyyyyy 😽.\" The couple then shared additional moments from their day on social media, including a post of them holding hands outdoors. Siwa captioned the photo, \"Perfect day 🖤,\" while Wilson mirrored the sentiment, calling it \"literally the most perfect day 🖤\" on her own Instagram Story. While it’s unclear how long JoJo Siwa and Dakayla Wilson have been dating, Siwa hinted that they recently spent a weekend together, attending a dance class that Wilson was teaching. In a TikTok video, Siwa shared footage of herself dancing in the class, humorously writing, \"Girlfriend taught a dance class so i took a weekend off of being JoJo Siwa and became her All Star Assistant.\" She added that although the class was physically demanding, it was \"WORTH IT.\" Siwa’s last public relationship was with TikTok star Avery Cyrus, which ended in December 2022 after three months of dating. At the time, Siwa explained their split in a TikTok video, saying, \"We decided that we are better off as friends!\" Despite their breakup, she maintained that they parted on amicable terms, stating that they were both still young and figuring things out. Meanwhile, Dakayla Wilson sparked rumors earlier this year of a potential relationship with her SYTYCD season 18 castmate Anthony Curley, but nothing concrete materialized from the speculation. JoJo Siwa has been candid about her love life in the past. In March, she described her dating life as \"messy\" during an interview with PEOPLE. She also spoke about her tendency to prioritize relationships over other aspects of her life, including friends, family, and her career. Now, it seems Siwa is enjoying her time with Wilson and embracing her latest chapter in love.
Jaden Smith’s Ex Sab Zada Hints That He Cheated On Her With Influencer Khleopatre
Sab Zada, Jaden Smith\'s ex-girlfriend, has seemingly addressed rumors about the rapper’s alleged infidelity. Earlier this week, Jaden, 26, was spotted engaging in PDA with his new girlfriend, social media influencer Khleopatre, while on a yacht in Ibiza. The photos, which circulated online, showed the two getting cozy, sparking speculation about Jaden\'s involvement with Khleopatre while rumors about his past relationship with Sab Zada resurfaced. Sab, who started dating Jaden in 2020, took to her X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday to share her thoughts, although she didn’t directly name Jaden or Khleopatre. In her posts, Sab expressed her disappointment with the situation but urged people to be kinder. \"This is a horrible and disappointing situation,\" she wrote, \"but if everyone can try to be a little bit kinder, these are all real people with real feelings.\" She continued by addressing the negativity swirling around the situation, adding, \"And saying all these mean things about any of these people is honestly just hurtful, it’s not as helpful as y\'all might think it is. Maybe it’s funny for a moment but after a while, it\'s just a reminder of heartache for everyone.\" Following the rumors, Sab has reposted several accounts discussing relationships, including posts that appear to reflect on cheating and the emotional toll it takes. One notable post shared on Thursday read, \"This why I don’t want a relationship bc cheating is never justified to me no matter how good [somebody] looks or how much money they have lmao.\" Another repost she shared echoed the sentiment, with someone responding, \"Seriously, imagine being a woman who’s healing from a breakup after being cheated on and people online saying they understand why he did it. That\'s insane.\" While Sab Zada hasn\'t confirmed whether the tweets were directly in response to Jaden’s recent behavior, her words seem to suggest that the rumors have had a personal impact on her. Sab and Jaden had been together for several years, often appearing in public and on social media together. Their relationship was notably low-key until it came to an apparent end earlier this year. Meanwhile, Khleopatre, the Instagram influencer at the center of the controversy, has remained relatively quiet amid the speculation. She has continued to post on her own accounts, seemingly unfazed by the rumors surrounding her connection to Jaden. Despite the public speculation, neither Jaden nor Khleopatre have directly addressed the situation, leaving fans and followers to speculate about the state of their relationship. As the drama continues to unfold, Sab Zada appears to be focusing on moving forward while offering a reminder about the importance of kindness in the face of public scrutiny. Despite the heartbreak, she seems determined to approach the situation with maturity, urging others to do the same.
Hawk Tuah Girl Triggers Social Media Anger Over Mets First Pitch
New York Mets fans were outraged after Haliey Welch, widely recognized for her viral video that graphically demonstrated oral sex techniques, was chosen to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field before the Mets\' game against the Oakland A\'s on Thursday. Welch, who gained internet fame and the nickname \'Hawk Tuah\' from the video, sparked significant controversy as she took the mound for this event. The backlash from the Mets\' fanbase was swift, particularly because many young fans were present for a summer camp day at the ballpark. One fan expressed their disbelief on social media, saying, “So the @Mets decided to get the Hawk Tuah Girl to throw out the 1st pitch for a summer \'camp day\' day game where the vast majority of fans are 11-year-old kids at the ballpark on camp trips. Seriously, what were they thinking? Be better than this.” Another fan echoed the sentiment, questioning the decision by stating, “We have 120 Olympic medalists and you chose her? Seriously?” Welch, hailing from Tennessee, has leveraged her controversial fame to build a substantial online following, boasting over 2 million Instagram followers. Her internet popularity has opened doors for her, including merchandise sales featuring her infamous catchphrase and interactions with celebrities like Shaquille O\'Neal. However, not everyone is pleased with her rise to fame. Tennis star Nick Kyrgios took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Welch, remarking, “No correlation between fame and actually being decent at something anymore,” with a laughing emoji. Welch\'s viral video, where she and a friend performed a graphic oral sex demonstration, has been a significant factor in her notoriety. Despite the negative attention, she continues to expand her influence, collaborating with country music star Zach Bryan and even engaging in discussions about a potential fight with popstar JoJo Siwa. Former No. 1 women’s atomweight fighter Michelle Waterson has also offered to train Welch, further highlighting her growing reach. The Mets\' decision to feature Welch underscores an ongoing debate about the intersection of social media fame and traditional sports events. The strong reactions from fans point to broader concerns about appropriateness and the values being promoted at family-friendly sports gatherings.
Raygun Olympic Break Dancer Begs Social Media To \’Stop Harassing\’ Her And Her Family
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, the Australian Olympian who competed in the inaugural breakdancing competition at the Paris Olympics 2024, has broken her silence following intense backlash over her performance. Gunn went viral after losing all three of her matches 18-0 in the competition, facing harsh criticism from social media and celebrities. In a video posted on Instagram, the 36-year-old athlete expressed her disappointment at the negative response, stating she “didn’t realize” that participating in the Olympics would “open the door to so much hate,” which she described as “pretty devastating.” Gunn’s Olympic routine, dubbed the \"Raygun Full Performance,\" featured unconventional moves like mimicking a snake, kangaroo, and even performing the sprinkler. These moves were widely mocked, including on late-night television. Despite the ridicule, Gunn emphasized that she took her Olympic training seriously, noting that she “worked [her] butt off” and gave her all during the competition. She also thanked those who supported her, saying, “I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives — that’s what I hoped.” The backlash didn’t end with social media commentary. A petition was launched demanding a full investigation into Gunn’s selection for the Australian Olympic team, a move denounced by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). The AOC issued a statement defending Gunn, calling the petition “disgraceful” and accusing it of being defamatory. Matt Carroll, the AOC’s chief executive officer, said, “No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way.” Gunn addressed the allegations of unfair selection and urged people to refer to official statements from the AOC and the World DanceSport Federation’s Breaking for Gold page, where her \"Raygun Break Dancer\" routine was also featured. She also asked the media to stop harassing her loved ones and the Australian breaking community. She requested privacy for those affected by the controversy, promising to answer more questions after her return to Australia. Adding to the drama, Gunn’s appearance was also criticized. While her competitors donned street clothes, she wore her Australian Olympic tracksuit and cap during the \"Raygun Olympics\" event. Gunn, however, remained positive in her response, expressing her pride in representing Australia and being part of breaking’s Olympic debut. She also noted the phenomenal achievements of her fellow athletes. Members of Gunn’s family have also spoken out in her defense. Her father-in-law, Andrew Free, criticized the judges’ scoring, suggesting they didn’t reward Gunn’s originality and musicality, which put her at a disadvantage. Despite the controversy, Free emphasized that Gunn represented Australia with “courage and dignity.” In the women’s Olympic breaking competition, Japan’s Ami Yuasa won gold, Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic earned silver, and China’s Liu Qingyi secured bronze. While Gunn’s performance may not have met expectations, her participation in the Paris Olympics 2024 was a historic moment for breaking, marking its debut on the global stage.
Threads Launches New Features As It Closes In On Elon Musk\’s X User Count
Meta\'s Threads, a direct rival to X (formerly known as Twitter), has introduced a slew of new features to mark the first anniversary of its web version launch in August 2023. Among the latest updates are the ability to store multiple drafts, insights into audience demographics, and the option to rearrange columns on the desktop view. These enhancements aim to elevate the user experience, giving more control to content creators and general users alike. CEO Mark Zuckerberg also teased the introduction of post-scheduling, a much-anticipated feature that is expected to be added soon. One of the standout features is the ability to save multiple drafts, a functionality that began testing in February and was rolled out to all users by March 2024. Threads app users can now store up to 100 drafts per account, offering more flexibility when crafting posts and planning content in advance. This feature aligns with Meta’s broader goal of making Threads a more creator-friendly platform that supports multiple post versions. As the debate between Threads vs. Twitter (now X) continues, Threads is also rolling out a new user Insights screen, which allows users to gain a deeper understanding of their audience. The Insights feature provides demographic data, such as the age, gender, and location of users who engage with posts. Additionally, it breaks down post performance by showing the total views and interactions, separated by followers and non-followers. This tool offers creators a clearer picture of who their audience is, potentially guiding them in tailoring their content to better engage with their followers. In another update, Meta is enhancing its desktop experience by allowing users to rearrange columns in its multi-column view. Threads introduced this TweetDeck-like interface back in May, giving users the ability to pin searches, liked posts, saved posts, activity, and their profile page. The latest update now allows for the rearrangement of these columns, except for the \"For You\" column, which remains fixed as the first column on the left side. This addition adds another layer of personalization to the platform, letting users prioritize the information that matters most to them. Some of these features, including the Insights screen and column-rearranging, had been available to select users for a few weeks before this broader rollout. Additionally, Threads has been testing a multi-feed experience on iOS with a small group of users. However, Meta has yet to confirm whether users will be able to reorder these feeds. As Threads continues to evolve, the conversation around Threads user data has become increasingly important. Meta\'s handling of user information is under scrutiny as the platform competes with X, which has also faced its share of privacy concerns. With a focus on transparency and user control, Threads aims to position itself as a safer and more user-centric alternative. The platform has seen steady growth since its launch, crossing the 200 million monthly active user milestone earlier this month, just over a year since its initial debut. This puts Threads in closer competition with X, which reportedly had over 600 million monthly active users as of May 2024, according to Elon Musk. As the battle of X users vs. Threads users heats up, both platforms are racing to innovate and capture the attention of the social media landscape. Threads\' continued development of user-friendly features shows Meta’s commitment to building a robust alternative to X, offering a richer experience for both casual users and content creators. As we approach the latter half of 2024, the competition between these two platforms is expected to intensify, with user counts and feature updates being key metrics to watch.
Who Is The \’Ketamine Queen\’ In Matthew Perry\’s Death Investigation?
Federal authorities have charged five individuals in connection with the tragic death of \"Friends\" star Matthew Perry, a case that has garnered widespread attention due to the involvement of Jasveen Sangha, often referred to as the \"ketamine queen\" of Los Angeles. Sangha, 41, faces serious allegations of supplying the ketamine that led to Perry’s overdose in October 2023. During her appearance at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles, Sangha, shackled and facing grave charges, pleaded not guilty. Sangha is a central figure in this case, alongside Dr. Salvador Plasencia, also known as “Dr. P,” a licensed medical doctor. The indictment claims that Sangha sold 50 vials of ketamine to Perry for approximately $11,000 over a two-week period. Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is also implicated in this case, as he, along with another individual, Eric Fleming, reportedly helped distribute the drugs to Perry. In the wake of Perry\'s death, the co-conspirators allegedly sought to distance themselves from the actor, with Sangha instructing Fleming to \"delete all our messages\" once the news of Perry\'s passing broke. This attempt to cover their tracks has only intensified the investigation. Judge Alka Sagar denied Sangha’s request for release on bond, expressing concerns about her ongoing involvement in drug dealing. The judge pointed to Sangha\'s alleged connections to two overdose deaths—Perry\'s and another individual, Cody McLaury, who died in August 2019 after buying ketamine from her. The U.S. Attorney\'s Office noted that Sangha was well aware of the dangers of ketamine, as evidenced by her internet search inquiries about whether ketamine could be listed as a cause of death shortly after McLaury’s passing. The investigation further revealed that Perry initially obtained ketamine from Dr. Plasencia and another doctor, Mark Chavez. However, when the drugs became too costly, Perry turned to Sangha for a cheaper alternative. A search of Sangha\'s residence following Perry\'s death uncovered what authorities described as a \"drug-selling emporium,\" which included ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, scales, and ledgers. As a dual citizen of the United States and Great Britain, Sangha faces a daunting legal battle. Her next court hearing is scheduled for October 15, and if convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Among the other four individuals charged in this case are Perry’s personal assistant and the two doctors involved in the ketamine distribution. The death of Matthew Perry, beloved for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on \"Friends,\" has brought immense scrutiny to this case, especially with the involvement of Jasveen Sangha, whose activities have led to multiple overdose deaths. The effects of ketamine on depression are a known topic of discussion, yet this case highlights the dark side of its misuse and the devastating consequences it can have. Federal authorities are committed to unraveling the full extent of the drug distribution network that played a role in Perry’s untimely death, determined to hold those responsible accountable.
Pregnant Sarah\’s Day Blasted For Not Wearing Sunscreen In Hawaii, Using Sunburn For Ad
Australian influencer Sarah Stevenson, better known as Sarah’s Day, is facing online backlash after revealing on Instagram that she neglected to use sunscreen during a Hawaiian vacation, resulting in severe sunburn. The 31-year-old, who is heavily pregnant with her third child, posted footage on her Sarah\'s Day Instagram account documenting the incident. In the video, Sarah admitted her mistake, saying, \"A lot of people have said that when you\'re pregnant you\'re more susceptible to sunburn but no, I\'m just an idiot.\" She confessed to not wearing any sunscreen while enjoying her luxury getaway, despite being from Australia, a country known for its intense sun and the importance of sun safety. Sarah also offered her followers a tip for treating sunburn, recommending an aftersun gel to soothe the burn and rehydrate the skin. She promoted the product using a discount code, a move that sparked a Sarah\'s Day controversy among her followers. Her audience took to the comments to express their disappointment in her failure to prioritize sun safety. One commenter pointed out the irony, saying, \"Crazy how someone from Australia is SO bad at remembering to put on sunscreen.\" Sarah responded, agreeing with the criticism, but the damage was done, with many questioning her judgment, especially while pregnant. The incident caught the attention of the podcast hosts Amy, Kate, and Sophie Taeuber of Outspoken, who discussed Sarah\'s motives for sharing the video. They highlighted that Sarah admitted to being embarrassed about getting sunburned but speculated that her post was more than just a candid confession. The hosts argued that Sarah used the sunburn as an opportunity to promote a skincare brand she had worked with for years, sharing a discount code for the product without disclosing that it was a paid partnership or an advertisement. This lack of transparency further fueled criticism. The podcast hosts expressed their disappointment, stating, \"Nowhere in this did she include the word \'ad\' or \'paid partnership.\'\" They emphasized that it was clear the post was promotional due to the inclusion of the 30% off code, making it a violation of advertising standards for influencers who are expected to be upfront about sponsorships. Sarah\'s Day YouTube channel, where she has built a large following as a lifestyle and fitness vlogger, also hasn’t been immune to scrutiny over her transparency. This recent incident on Instagram has only added to the growing concerns about influencer accountability and the importance of clear communication with followers. As Sarah prepares to welcome her third child with her husband, Kurt Tilse, her social media activity remains under scrutiny. The recent backlash serves as a reminder of the responsibilities influencers carry when promoting products to their audiences, especially during sensitive moments like pregnancy and health-related topics.