Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Influencer Marketing Fail: Restaurants Duped Into Giving Money For Exposure, Fails To Deliver
In a troubling trend within the influencer marketing world, several small businesses have come forward, alleging they were duped into paying for social media promotion that never materialized. Jonathan Davis, the man behind the once-popular Denver Foodie Instagram and TikTok accounts, has been accused of taking money from local restaurants, promising to feature their establishments, but failing to deliver. Many restaurant owners, including Helen Chu of Mr. Tang Korean Restaurant and Juan Luna of Metro Balderas Aztek Food, shared their frustrations with Davis, who never followed through on his commitments despite receiving payments. Chu, for example, paid $200 via Venmo in October last year but has yet to see a single post featuring her business. Michel Polina-Sanchez, owner of Chupacabra Paletas, experienced a similar disappointment after paying $300 in July for a video that was never posted until just hours before a news story exposing Davis was aired. She made multiple attempts to contact him through direct messages, but he remained unresponsive. For many small business owners, this kind of behavior is more than a simple oversight—it feels like a betrayal, especially from someone with such a large following, which included over 500,000 across his platforms. As Polina-Sanchez put it, \"It’s just unprofessional.\" When contacted by 9NEWS Investigates, Davis admitted he became overwhelmed, citing personal struggles, such as a divorce and the rapid growth of his social media presence. He explained, \"Sometimes I might have bit off more than I can chew,\" but he also defended his intentions, saying that he’s not intentionally running a scam and promised to take accountability for his actions. He assured the news outlet that he would contact every business affected and make amends. Amid this controversy, Davis’s legal troubles have also come to light. He is facing a lawsuit from Jared Wigand, the owner of IMFROMDENVER, a social media brand Davis sold in 2021. Wigand claims that Davis violated a non-compete clause and committed fraud by launching The Denver Foodie brand. Despite being aware of the lawsuit, Davis has not yet defended himself in court, although he plans to do so. According to him, the clause was slipped into the contract \"maliciously,\" and he feels unfairly treated by Wigand. With these ongoing scandals, Davis recently changed the name of his Instagram account from The Denver Foodie to WhatsUpDenver303, claiming the rebrand had nothing to do with the pending news story or lawsuit. While he acknowledges the frustration of the small businesses involved, the outcome remains unclear, as many restaurant owners are left wondering if they’ll ever be compensated for the money and trust they invested in his services. This situation highlights the potential risks of influencer marketing, especially for small businesses relying on social media exposure to grow their presence. As the allegations against Davis continue to unfold, it serves as a cautionary tale for businesses considering partnerships with influencers. Ensuring clear contracts and vetting influencers thoroughly may help prevent such costly marketing failures.
Influencer Marketing Cost Is Getting Lower: Is It The Beginning Of The End?
A new report from Kolsquare, a leading influencer marketing platform, reveals significant trends in the UK influencer marketing landscape for 2025. As influencer marketing continues to thrive, UK brands are adjusting their strategies due to a saturated market, which has resulted in decreased fees for influencers. Despite this, brands are set to maintain high spending, with an average budget of £848,000 annually, and 51% of companies planning to increase their influencer marketing budgets next year. The focus is shifting towards selecting fewer, high-quality key opinion leaders (KOLs) who offer more value and align with evolving ethical standards. Ethical conduct and transparency have become paramount in influencer marketing, with nearly half of UK brands (49%) prioritizing compliance with corporate ethics when choosing influencers. A vast majority of brands (94%) now require influencers to adhere to strict ethical behavioral codes. This emphasis on authenticity is a response to audience fatigue and a growing demand for more thoughtful and sustainable content. Brands are seeking meaningful collaborations, moving away from superficial endorsements to more responsible influencing. One of the key findings of Kolsquare’s Influencer Marketing Trends 2025 report is that influencer fees are falling, despite an overall increase in marketing budgets. Brands are using data insights to optimize their influencer partnerships in a highly competitive market. Alix Dumarest, Kolsquare’s Key Account Manager, notes that brands are becoming smarter with their strategies by leveraging data to enhance their competitive edge. “Brands today know that intelligent use of data insights will give them the edge. They are also demanding more from their influencers,” Dumarest explains, adding that influencer fees will continue to decrease as brands seek better returns on their investments. A notable shift is occurring in platform preferences. While some brands in the beauty sector had pivoted entirely to TikTok for influencer collaborations, Instagram is making a resurgence. According to Dumarest, brands that had previously abandoned Instagram are now returning to it, considering it a “safe haven” for clean brand images and controlled messaging. The uncertain regulatory environment surrounding TikTok has also contributed to its declining popularity. Marketers are increasingly focused on understanding their competition through Kolsquare’s listening module, which helps them analyze competitors’ campaigns and top influencers. In the UK, Facebook remains widely used by 72% of brands, while Instagram is employed by 71%. The UK leads Europe in regulatory compliance, with 76% of brands adhering to strict standards. As UK brands continue to evolve their strategies, there’s a growing trend towards working with micro-influencers who offer a better balance of engagement and reach. Additionally, brands are investing more in low-risk, low-budget campaigns, such as affiliate marketing and gifting, to maximize returns without the higher costs associated with larger influencers.
Influencer Draws Flak For \’Guess The Bill\’ Stint, Says It Was A Joke!
Filipino influencer Emmanuelle \"Emman\" Atienza is facing criticism for flaunting wealth in a now-deleted TikTok video where she and her friends spent ₱133,000 (£1,777) on a dinner. The video featured a “guess the bill” game, where participants, including singer Rhaila Tomakin and Miss World Philippines Krishnah Gravidez, took guesses at the total cost of their meal at an upscale Japanese restaurant. Gravidez\'s estimate was closest, and the video ended with her appearing to pay the bill, sparking outrage on social media due to the extravagance of the spending, especially in a country where the minimum wage in Metro Manila is ₱645 (£8.62). The backlash largely centered around the tone-deafness of the video, with critics pointing out that the total bill amounted to what could cover a semester’s tuition. Specific charges, like ₱2,749.95 (£36.74) for 11 bottles of water and ₱2,249.96 (£30.06) for nine Coke Zeros, drew further ire from viewers. Given that 17.54 million people in the Philippines were living in poverty in 2023, many found the video to be insensitive and out of touch with the country\'s economic reality. Atienza, 18, who comes from a prominent family—her father is TV personality Kim Atienza, and her grandfather is former Manila mayor Lito Atienza—addressed the controversy in a follow-up TikTok video. She clarified that the dinner was for a friend\'s birthday, and the meal had been paid for by an agency, not out of her pocket. Defending her actions, she stated, “Even if I had paid that much, it’s our choice and our freedom to do what we want with money that we earned.” Atienza dismissed criticism over wealth disparity, adding that she was not responsible for the economic conditions in the Philippines. She also responded to comments urging her to “check her privilege,” acknowledging her privileged background but rejecting the notion that she alone should be held accountable for income inequality. She drew a comparison to other wealthy figures, suggesting that many celebrities, both in the Philippines and globally, spend more than she ever has without being asked to redistribute their wealth. Krishnah Gravidez, who was also featured in the video, initially posted that the clip was intended as “satire.” However, she later issued an apology on Instagram, expressing regret for her involvement and acknowledging that she should have been more mindful of the broader societal context. Gravidez admitted, “I should have been more sensitive to what is happening around us... I’m really sorry po.” The incident has sparked wider discussions on social media about wealth, privilege, and responsibility, especially for influencers with large followings.
Meta AI Aims To \’Recreate\’ Influencers
At Meta’s Connect event, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled ambitious plans to leverage artificial intelligence to revolutionize content creation. Two standout demos showcased how AI could transform the way influencers and creators engage with their audiences. The first demo introduced an AI persona based on a real influencer, capable of mimicking their appearance, voice, and mannerisms in real-time. This AI version was able to interact and respond to questions just like the influencer would, creating a lifelike experience. The demo left audiences astonished by how closely the AI replica resembled the original creator. In addition to recreating influencers, Meta demonstrated a second tool aimed at enhancing the accessibility of content across language barriers. This AI-powered feature takes Reels—a popular short video format—and automatically dubs them into another language. More impressively, the tool modifies the creator’s voice and adjusts their mouth movements to match the new language seamlessly. Zuckerberg showcased two pre-recorded Reels from Spanish creators that had been dubbed into English. While the demo wasn’t performed live, the results were striking, suggesting that the technology has the potential to dramatically expand the reach of videos by allowing creators to communicate with audiences who speak different languages. Meta is clearly looking to position itself as a leader in AI-driven content creation, as the company faces stiff competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Auto-dubbing could help creators expand their audience globally without the need to produce separate content for each language, which would be a game-changer in the social media landscape. Meta’s competitors are not far behind, with YouTube also investing in similar auto-dubbing technology, demonstrating that the future of influencer content is moving toward more accessible, multilingual formats. Beyond these content creation tools, Meta also announced several other AI-related innovations during the event. One notable feature is an AI assistant capable of speaking in the voices of celebrities. This capability suggests that Meta is striving to enhance its AI offerings with more personalized and entertaining user experiences, possibly opening doors to even more interactive and lifelike AI personas in the future. Overall, Meta’s focus on AI at Connect underscores its vision to use cutting-edge technology to reshape how influencers and creators engage with their global audiences. The auto-dubbing and AI persona tools, once fully developed, have the potential to bridge language gaps and extend content reach, helping Meta stay competitive in the evolving social media landscape.
Meta AI Instagram Feature: The Truth About The Viral Disclaimer Revealed!
The \"Goodbye Meta AI\" trend on Instagram has recently gained widespread attention, with many users posting a message on their stories in an attempt to opt out of Meta\'s updated privacy policies. The trend falsely claims that users can prevent Meta from using their personal information by sharing a copied and pasted statement. The message reads, “Goodbye Meta AI. Please note an attorney has advised us to put this on, failure to do so may result in legal consequences. As Meta is now a public entity all members must post a similar statement. If you do not post at least once it will be assumed you are okay with them using your information and photos. I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information, or photos.” This claim has been debunked by third-party fact-checkers, who emphasize that sharing such a post does not alter Meta\'s privacy policies. Users cannot opt out of the changes simply by posting a message on Instagram. In reality, Meta’s terms and policies are binding once a user continues to use the platform, and the only way to object to certain changes is through account settings or by discontinuing the use of Meta’s services. In fact, European users are given the option to object to these policies via a form in their account settings. However, the viral post has led to widespread misinformation, with even celebrities like Julianne Moore, Sarah Paulson, and James McAvoy sharing the false message. The confusion stems from Meta’s recent updates to its privacy policies, which allow the company to use publicly posted content, such as photos and text, to train its AI chatbots. However, Meta has clarified that private messages and posts are not included in this data, nor are any materials shared by users under the age of 18. This means that the AI training process excludes any information shared in direct messages or private posts, offering some reassurance to users concerned about the privacy of their more sensitive interactions on the platform. Despite the viral nature of the \"Goodbye Meta AI\" trend, it has been thoroughly debunked, with the message being labeled false by fact-checkers. The trend has served as a reminder for users to stay informed about changes to privacy policies and to verify the authenticity of viral trends before sharing them. For those concerned about how Meta is using their data, the company’s updated privacy settings provide more accurate information on how users can manage and control their data, without the need to resort to viral posts that offer no legal protection or ability to opt out.
British Influencer Consumes \’Bhang,\’ Ends Up Vomiting Blood!
British influencer Sam Pepper’s recent experience in India turned into a nightmare after consuming “bhang,” a cannabis-infused drink, during his travels. Pepper, known for documenting his adventures on Instagram and YouTube, ended up in the hospital after suffering severe digestive issues. His health rapidly deteriorated after drinking what he referred to as “Indian street milk,” eventually leading to a terrifying situation where he vomited blood. In a video titled \"I Drank Indian Street Milk and Ended Up in Hospital,\" Pepper detailed his ordeal, explaining how his symptoms worsened as he began vomiting green and yellow bile, which later turned into blood. The video shows Pepper in his hospital bed, visibly in pain and suffering from an emotional breakdown. He described how the hospital staff made his situation worse by improperly handling his IV drip, which caused blood to flow out. The influencer expressed his frustration with the attention he was receiving in the hospital, stating that locals would come into his room under the guise of doing jobs, but were primarily there to take selfies with him. Pepper also claimed that people were staring at him because of his status as a foreigner, which only added to his distress. Following his ordeal, Pepper decided to fly to Bangkok for further treatment. While reflecting on his experience, he expressed regret about trying unfamiliar food and drinks, especially those tied to local “holy” traditions, which he believes triggered his health issues. His decision to experiment with bhang, often consumed during religious festivals in India, led to a social media frenzy, with many users reacting to the video. Some users expressed sympathy for his situation, with one commenter saying, “Damn, hope there isn’t any permanent damage. What a nightmare.” Another user was shocked by Pepper’s choice to try something so potentially risky, writing, “Sam, I don’t even know how your brain allowed you to try anything there. How did you even mentally manage to do that?” The video has garnered a significant amount of attention online, with viewers sharing their thoughts on Pepper’s misadventure. While some offered words of comfort and encouragement, others criticized his decision to engage in such activities while traveling in a foreign country. One comment pointed out the irony of Pepper’s situation, saying, “Those holy rituals did a number on cleansing you, bro. Feel better man.” The video serves as a cautionary tale for those who may be tempted to try unfamiliar foods or drinks while traveling, especially in countries where ingredients like bhang are legal and culturally significant but potentially harmful to those unaccustomed to them. Pepper’s ordeal highlights the potential risks of experimenting with local delicacies without fully understanding their effects. His experience has sparked conversation about the importance of being cautious when trying new things while traveling, particularly when it comes to consuming substances with psychoactive properties.
Why Is Viral \’Cards Against Humanity\’ Suing Elon Musk\’s SpaceX for $15M? Here\’s What You Need to Know
Cards Against Humanity (CAH), the company behind the popular adult party game, has filed a $15 million civil lawsuit against Elon Musk’s SpaceX, accusing the aerospace company of trespassing on its property in Cameron County, Texas. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, alleges that SpaceX has encroached on land owned by CAH, which is located just three miles from SpaceX\'s Starbase launch facility. The land was originally purchased by CAH in 2017 as part of a stunt aimed at obstructing former President Donald Trump\'s plans for a border wall along the US-Mexico border. According to the lawsuit, SpaceX contractors have entered the property without permission, dumping large quantities of gravel, setting up generators, and installing equipment and lights. Photographs included in the court filings show construction equipment on the land that CAH claims does not belong to them. The lawsuit asserts that SpaceX has never sought permission to use the property and has instead appropriated it for its own commercial benefit. The lawsuit further accuses SpaceX of trespassing and profiting from the unauthorized use of the land. CAH\'s land purchase in 2017 was a crowd-funded effort designed to create obstacles for the construction of Trump’s proposed border wall. The company has maintained a politically active stance, frequently engaging in stunts and campaigns aimed at drawing attention to social and political issues. The lawsuit claims that SpaceX’s actions have the potential to damage CAH\'s reputation with its supporters, who have come to expect the company to challenge abuses by powerful figures and corporations. The legal filing emphasized that CAH supporters have developed a strong loyalty to the company, in part because of its willingness to stand up against wealthy businesses and government actions that harm everyday people. SpaceX began building in the area in 2014, and Musk recently announced that the company\'s headquarters would be relocated from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas, which is still under construction. Both Musk and former President Trump have been featured as characters in Cards Against Humanity’s card game, which often satirizes current events. The lawsuit aligns with CAH’s business philosophy, as the company claims it is committed to holding powerful entities accountable. As of now, SpaceX has not responded to CNN’s request for comment on the lawsuit. The outcome of the legal dispute could set a precedent for future cases involving land use and corporate expansion in the region surrounding SpaceX\'s operations in Texas.
MrBeast Sued By Constestants Of Beast Games, Cites Sexual Harassment, Poor Taping Conditions
A lawsuit has been filed against YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and Amazon by five unnamed contestants from the reality competition show \"Beast Games,\" which was produced for Prime Video. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on September 16, 2024, alleges that the participants were subjected to \"chronic mistreatment,\" sexual harassment, and unsafe working conditions during the competition. The show, which boasts a $100 million budget and involves over 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million cash prize, is being accused of numerous violations, including failure to provide minimum wages, overtime pay, proper meal and rest breaks, and adequate medical care. The lawsuit claims that contestants experienced harsh and unsafe conditions during filming, including deprivation of food, sleep, and basic hygiene. According to the complaint, the first round of the competition took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in July, with subsequent rounds filmed in Toronto in August. Several contestants were reportedly hospitalized, and female participants allegedly faced a hostile environment, particularly in the form of sexual harassment. The plaintiffs’ attorneys claim the production created a dangerous and degrading atmosphere, leading to both physical and emotional distress for the participants. The lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of all \"Beast Games\" contestants, aiming to hold Amazon and MrBeast\'s production company, MRB2024, accountable for unpaid wages, punitive damages, and the alleged mistreatment of participants. The complaint also highlights a \"How to Succeed in MrBeast Production\" handbook, which allegedly encouraged staff to support inappropriate behavior by contestants. One plaintiff, identified as \"Contestant 5,\" expressed her disappointment with the experience, stating that although she had been a fan of MrBeast, she felt dehumanized and mistreated during the production. The legal action contends that the contestants were not only neglected but also coerced into participating in dangerous games that put their physical and mental well-being at risk. According to the plaintiffs\' lead attorney, Robert Pafundi, the law entitles the contestants to certain protections as employees, protections that were allegedly ignored by the production staff. The lawsuit aims to hold the defendants accountable for what the plaintiffs describe as severe neglect, mistreatment, and failure to meet their legal obligations under California law. Amazon has yet to announce a release date for \"Beast Games,\" which it has promoted as \"the world’s largest live gameshow\" with the \"biggest single prize in television and streaming history.\" Neither Amazon nor representatives for MrBeast have commented on the lawsuit.
TikTok Bully Jailed After Being Found Guilty Of Influencer\’s Death, Harassment
A 40-year-old lorry driver, B Sathiskumar, has been sentenced to 12 months in jail after pleading guilty to charges related to the tragic death of TikTok influencer A Rajeswary, known as Esha, who was found dead in July, allegedly due to online harassment. The Kuala Lumpur sessions court handed down the sentence after Sathiskumar changed his plea to guilty on two charges during a case hearing on September 25, 2024. Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali presided over the court and ordered that the sentences be served concurrently, starting from Sathiskumar\'s arrest on July 10. Esha, 29, was discovered dead in her home in Setapak on July 5, just one day after filing a police report claiming that she had been harassed on TikTok. Sathiskumar had been accused of making obscene remarks directed at Esha through his TikTok account, Dulal Brothers 360, on June 30. The charges brought against him fell under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which addresses offensive online communication. The offense is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both. Before receiving his sentence, Sathiskumar expressed remorse, apologizing in court for his actions. He admitted his wrongdoing, stating, “I am guilty. I won’t do it again. I ask for forgiveness, ma’am (judge).” His apology came after the public outcry and grief that followed the death of Rajeswary, whose passing highlighted the devastating effects of online harassment and bullying. In addition to the first charge, Sathiskumar faced a second charge under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting and humiliating Esha\'s mother, R Puspa, 56, through the same TikTok account on June 30. This offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine, or both. The court took both charges into consideration while determining the sentence. Deputy public prosecutor Sabri Othman called for a prison sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the importance of public interest in curbing online harassment. Othman argued that such crimes should not be taken lightly, given their severe impact on victims\' mental health and well-being. However, defense lawyer Izwan Ishak, representing the National Legal Aid Foundation, appealed for leniency for his client. He pointed out that Sathiskumar earns only RM1,200 a month and is the sole provider for his disabled wife and three children, urging the court to consider these factors in its sentencing. Sathiskumar’s sentencing brings attention to the growing issue of cyberbullying, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of online harassment.
Donald Trump, JD Vance Go On Male Influencer Tour – Is It Helping?
Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance have been on a months-long media campaign targeting young male voters through appearances on popular podcasts and social media platforms, most of which have predominantly male audiences. Their tour of influencers and podcasters, including figures like Logan Paul and Theo Von, offers a more personal and casual look at the politicians, focusing on relatable topics like UFC and boxing rather than hard news or policy discussions. One viral moment featured Trump and Paul sharing a laugh during an interview for Paul’s YouTube show, while other conversations have delved into personal matters, such as Trump speaking about his brother’s battle with alcoholism. The strategy appears to be working in reaching a new demographic of voters—primarily young men. Data from Edison Research shows that of the seven podcasts where Trump and Vance appeared, six have majority-male listenership, with some skewing heavily toward younger male audiences. This media strategy is seen as an effort to engage these potential voters by offering them a more humanized and approachable version of Trump and Vance, facilitated by trusted hosts with whom listeners already have parasocial relationships. While some hosts are clear Trump supporters, like streamer Adin Ross, who gifted Trump a Tesla Cybertruck, others have posed tougher questions. For example, Vance was pressed during a podcast interview on whether he would have certified the 2020 election, to which he avoided directly answering, instead suggesting states should have submitted alternate slates of electors. Despite occasional scrutiny, most interviews remain friendly and conversational. This approach, according to Republican strategist Eric James Wilson, taps into the decentralized nature of modern media consumption, where potential voters get information from various sources. By appearing on long-form, casual podcasts, Trump and Vance can reach audiences they might miss through traditional news outlets. Shauna Daly, cofounder of the liberal Young Men’s Research Initiative, notes that this strategy may be crucial for Trump, who needs to bring more young men to the polls to expand his voter base. With young men increasingly leaning toward Trump, as recent polls show, and historically having low voter turnout, this strategy may help turn more non-voters into active participants. Trump’s interview with Logan Paul alone garnered 6.5 million views, suggesting that even a small percentage of these viewers turning out to vote could impact the election’s outcome.