Latest Influencer News in 2026
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Influencer Candice Miller Gets Sued For Unpaid Rent After Husband\’s Death – What We Know So Far
Influencer Candice Miller is facing a lawsuit for nearly $200,000 in unpaid rent following the death of her husband, real estate mogul Brandon Miller, who died by suicide in July 2024. The lawsuit, filed by Mak Acquisitions, alleges that Candice owes $194,881.89 for the unpaid use and occupancy of a Park Avenue residence in New York City. The couple, along with their two daughters, had lived in the luxurious five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom apartment before vacating it at the end of August. Court documents reveal that Candice has four months of unpaid rent, including $47,000 for April and May and $49,000 for June and July. In addition to rent, the lawsuit includes charges for a $881.89 plumbing invoice from March. While the $47,000 security deposit was applied toward the August rent, there remains a balance of $2,000 due to a rent increase in June. The total amount owed, according to the documents filed on September 1, is nearly $195,000, with a 9 percent annual interest rate. The lawsuit accuses Candice of intentionally benefiting from wrongful actions, to the detriment of the apartment’s owner. Brandon Miller, aged 43, died by suicide in the couple’s Hamptons home on July 3 while the rest of the family was on vacation in Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Prior to his death, Brandon left a note explaining that a business deal, which he had hoped would alleviate the family’s financial strain, had fallen through. This tragic event added to Candice’s financial difficulties, which have now culminated in the lawsuit for unpaid rent. Following Brandon’s death, Candice deactivated her “Mama & Tata” Instagram account, a lifestyle blog she co-ran with her sister Jenna Crespi. In August, she put the family’s Hamptons home on the market for $15.5 million. Although Candice has yet to publicly address the lawsuit or her husband’s death, a family spokesperson told The New York Times that the family is \"overwhelmed by grief.\" The spokesperson added, \"Candice is devastated by the loss of her soul mate, and her two young daughters’ lives are forever impacted by the loss of their beloved daddy.\" The lawsuit and financial challenges add another layer of hardship for the grieving family, as Candice navigates life following the unexpected loss of her husband.
Japanese Influencer Spends $149K On Plastic Surgery; Followers Think \’It Was Worth It\’
Japanese influencer Hirase Airi, 26, has spent over 24 million yen (approximately 167,065 USD) on plastic surgeries since 2017, completely transforming her life. Struggling with living expenses after high school, Airi worked part-time jobs but found her breakthrough after undergoing numerous cosmetic procedures. Today, she is a popular social media figure with millions of followers, a TV personality, model, and CEO of a beauty-related company. She credits her success to the physical changes brought about by surgery, stating that she is now living her dream life. Airi’s first procedure was an eye surgery at age 19. Following that, she received hyaluronic acid injections in her forehead, nose, and chin, along with nose and breast augmentations. The most expensive surgery was double jaw surgery, costing 4.37 million yen (about 30,427 USD), which dramatically altered her appearance. Airi shared that this surgery significantly changed how others perceived her, and it was one of the most painful procedures she endured. Despite the challenges, Airi expressed satisfaction with her decision, saying her surgeries gave her the confidence she lacked. She ranked double jaw surgery, breast augmentation, and forehead injections as the most difficult but said the results were worth it. In a previous interview, she reflected on her childhood, noting that although she was once called cute, she became self-conscious in middle school, driving her to pursue cosmetic enhancements. Korean netizens were taken aback by Airi’s story, with mixed reactions. Some praised her decision, saying it was her body and that the surgeries seemed to have paid off, while others questioned how she afforded the expensive procedures while struggling financially. Comments ranged from admiration for her transformation to skepticism about her ability to fund such extensive surgeries. However, many acknowledged the profound impact that plastic surgery had on her life, with some even comparing her to notable figures in Korea.
Amazon Taps Influencers To Boost Holiday Sales
Amazon has announced an enhanced commission structure for influencers ahead of the festive season, aiming to boost engagement and sales during its flagship event, the Amazon Great Indian Festival (AGIF). The shopping event, which begins on September 27, 2024, with exclusive early access for Prime members, is one of India\'s largest retail events. To prepare for the surge in consumer demand, Amazon revealed on Monday that it is increasing commission rates for over 50,000 content creators on its platform. The new commission structure increases influencer earnings by 1.5 to 2 times across more than 20 product categories. These include popular segments such as fashion, beauty, home goods, personal care appliances, toys, and books. By offering higher commissions, Amazon aims to incentivize its creator community to promote more products during the peak shopping period. Additionally, the company introduced performance-based incentives, offering creators 10-15% in extra revenue for reaching specific targets. This strategy aims to motivate influencers to increase consumer engagement. As part of the AGIF campaign, Amazon will also leverage its Amazon Live program, where hundreds of creators will host over 1,500 live streams to showcase products in categories like Mobiles, Home Appliances, Home Decor, Fashion, and Beauty. This interactive approach allows influencers to demonstrate product features in real-time and answer questions from potential buyers, enhancing the overall shopping experience. Zahid Khan, Director of Shopping Initiatives for India and Emerging Markets at Amazon, stated that the updated commission rates are designed to empower creators to earn more during the high-traffic shopping season while helping to drive sales for the platform. According to Khan, these changes not only benefit creators financially but also ensure a more engaging and rewarding experience for consumers. Amazon’s focus on influencer-driven sales reflects the growing importance of social commerce in today’s retail landscape. By collaborating with influencers, the company aims to amplify its reach, driving consumer engagement and contributing to the success of the AGIF. As influencers prepare for the event, Amazon hopes this enhanced support system will boost product visibility and elevate the shopping experience for millions of customers across India.
‘That Looks as Fake as NASA’: Conspiracy Theories Claiming SpaceX’s First Commercial Spacewalk Is a Hoax Go Viral
On Thursday, a crew of four aboard a SpaceX capsule made history by embarking on the world’s first private spacewalk. Billionaire Jared Isaacman, 41, became the first non-professional astronaut to step into the vacuum of space, followed by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, 30. The crew’s mission, known as Polaris Dawn, was part of a private spaceflight endeavor led by Isaacman, marking a significant milestone for private space exploration. Isaacman exited the spacecraft at approximately 6:52 a.m. ET (10:52 GMT) as the capsule flew over Antarctica and Australia. His first words upon emerging into space were, \"Back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world,\" with the planet glittering beneath him. His awe was captured in real-time as the event was livestreamed on SpaceX\'s website. Spectacular images showed Isaacman testing his spacesuit and performing a series of tasks during his time outside the spacecraft. Shortly after Isaacman completed his spacewalk, Gillis took her turn, stepping into space while the world watched. Jared Isaacman is not only a space enthusiast but also the founder and CEO of Shift4, a payment processing company he started from his parents’ basement when he was just 16 years old. After dropping out of high school to work as a cybersecurity consultant, he used a $10,000 loan from his grandfather to secure a deal with a bank to sell credit card terminals. Shift4 has since grown into a multibillion-dollar business, processing transactions for about a third of America’s restaurants and hotels, handling more than $200 billion in payments each year. Isaacman’s passion for space led him to approach Elon Musk in 2021 with the idea of purchasing a private passenger flight to orbit. This resulted in the Inspiration4 mission, the first orbital spaceflight crewed entirely by civilians. Now, Isaacman is leading the Polaris Dawn mission, pushing the boundaries of private space exploration further. After the spacewalk, the crew members, including Isaacman and Gillis, completed their post-operation procedures and began transitioning back into the spacecraft. Mission control reported that the capsule’s atmosphere remained stable, allowing the crew to rotate back to their original positions. This successful mission marks another step forward for private space travel, with the Polaris Dawn team continuing to break new ground in human spaceflight.
Were Influencers Hired To Start A Smear Campaign Against Kamala Harris? Are They This Generations New \’Assassins\’?
A mysterious group reportedly paid influencers tens of thousands of dollars to spread sexual smears about Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a report by Semafor. Around late July 2024, as Harris was stepping in to lead the Democratic presidential ticket, influencers who had been recruited to promote conservative messaging received emails asking them to make lewd comments about her. In exchange, they were promised significant payments through Zelle, a digital payment platform. The email, titled \"War Room – Kamala Messaging,\" was followed by a Zoom meeting organized by a man using the name James Bacon. During the call, participants kept their cameras off and remained anonymous, except for one notable figure—George Santos, the disgraced former Republican congressman. Santos, who had joined the call out of curiosity, objected to the crude suggestions, which included calling Harris a \"hoe\" and making other sexually charged allegations. According to Santos, the content was \"disgusting and unbecoming of the political process.\" He left the meeting after expressing his disapproval. Santos later confirmed to The Independent that he was invited to the call but refused to participate in smearing Harris. He said, \"Nothing in this world would make me smear VP Harris or anyone running for office with slanderous sexual innuendos.\" He also tweeted shortly after, criticizing the \"talking points\" being circulated by conservative influencers regarding Harris’s sex life and race. The identity of \"James Bacon\" remains unclear. While a former Trump aide named James Bacon denied involvement, the person leading the influencer group used the same name, but attendees claimed the voice did not match Bacon’s public appearances. It remains a mystery whether the organizer is truly connected to the former Trump aide. Following the meeting, some influencers began posting content accusing Harris of engaging in sexual relationships to further her political career. In late August, former President Donald Trump reposted an unsubstantiated claim on Truth Social that Harris had used sexual favors to gain power. While several individuals denied being paid by the mysterious group, one influencer admitted to receiving $20,000 for promoting such content, with Zelle receipts viewed by Semafor confirming the payments. The report also noted that besides targeting Harris, the group encouraged influencers to attack Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Trump’s New York criminal trial, and to accuse President Joe Biden of being weak.
Skinny Influencer\’ Banned From TikTok: Who Is Liv Schmidt
TikTok has banned influencer Liv Schmidt for promoting controversial weight loss advice that many have labeled as “dangerous” and “harmful.” Schmidt, who had nearly 700,000 followers, posted videos that emphasized the importance of being skinny, which critics say glamorized disordered eating. The 22-year-old corporate worker from New York sparked outrage with her content, leading to calls for her account to be removed. Dietitians and health experts argued her posts demonstrated an “unhealthy devotion to being thin” and posed risks to young viewers. In response, TikTok shut down her account, stating she violated the platform’s community guidelines related to disordered eating. Despite the backlash, Schmidt has defended her content, claiming that staying thin is part of her personal aesthetic. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, she expressed her frustration over the ban, stating, “For me and my personal aesthetic, I like to be skinny, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” She also said her desire to “save America from obesity” stems from her own struggles with body confidence. Schmidt\'s TikTok videos included “what I eat in a day” posts, links to an Amazon storefront promoting dietary supplements and ankle weights, and access to a “Skinny Group Community Chat,” which charged subscribers $9.99 per month. Many critics called these promotions “incredibly harmful,” arguing that they encouraged unhealthy habits, particularly among young and impressionable viewers. Social media users expressed their concerns on platforms like Reddit, with one user commenting, “There’s something so deeply sinister about a ‘regular’ influencer posting food like this and pretending like it’s normal.” Others feared for the impact on young girls who might be influenced by Schmidt’s content. “Young girls have and will continue to die due to this being peddled on the internet,” one person wrote. Schmidt’s response to the criticism has been dismissive, stating that weight is a “touchy topic” but that her content is what viewers want to see. However, many health professionals argue that promoting such extreme views on weight and dieting is harmful, particularly on platforms like TikTok, which is popular with younger audiences. The Australian Government Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition and warns that inadequate or excessive amounts of food can lead to poor health outcomes.
Transgender Influencer Kesaria Abramidze Killed, Cause Of Death And What We Know
A well-known transgender influencer and actress, Kesaria Abramidze, was murdered in her apartment in Tbilisi, Georgia, in a brutal knife attack on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The 37-year-old, who was the first person in Georgia to publicly come out as transgender, was killed in what authorities are calling a “premeditated murder.” Abramidze had gained significant recognition in her country, not only for her role as a model and actress but also as a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. She represented Georgia in the Miss Trans Star International contest in 2018 and had amassed over 500,000 followers on Instagram. Her death has sent shockwaves through Georgia, where LGBTQ+ rights have come under increasing attack. The Georgian Interior Ministry confirmed on Thursday, September 19, that Abramidze had suffered multiple stab wounds and that the murder was being investigated as a \"premeditated crime committed with particular cruelty and aggravating circumstances on gender grounds.\" This investigation is part of an ongoing inquiry into the violent crime, which has sparked outrage both within Georgia and internationally. Abramidze’s death comes at a time when the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party has been pushing for a “family values” bill. The bill has drawn comparisons to Russia’s controversial \"gay propaganda\" law, which has been widely condemned for marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities. Critics, including the European Union and various human rights organizations, have voiced concern that the bill stigmatizes LGBTQ+ individuals and encourages an increasingly hostile environment for them in Georgia. Abramidze’s murder occurred just one day after the family values bill passed its third and final reading, adding to the tension surrounding the LGBTQ+ rights debate in the country. Activists fear that the rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in Georgia could lead to more hate crimes and further oppression of marginalized communities. The transgender influencer had been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Georgia, often speaking out against discrimination and pushing for greater acceptance and equality. Her death is seen as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a society that has increasingly turned hostile toward them. The international community and human rights groups have condemned the killing, calling for a thorough investigation and justice for Abramidze. The incident has also renewed discussions around the safety of LGBTQ+ people in Georgia.
Vermont Town Battles Back as Influx of Influencers Overwhelms the Community
A small rural town in Vermont is fighting back against an influx of influencers that has overwhelmed its streets during the fall foliage season. For the past five years, the scenic town of Pomfret has been overrun with tourists and influencers, eager to capture the vibrant colors of autumn leaves for their social media accounts. This surge in visitors has caused traffic jams, overcrowding, and even public safety concerns. Cloudland Road, a narrow, one-lane road in Pomfret, has become a hotspot for tourists, with dozens of cars lining the road during peak foliage season. Last year, the town decided to shut down Cloudland Road to non-locals for three weeks, citing public safety risks such as blocked access for emergency vehicles. This year, they are implementing the same restrictions, beginning on September 25, as they try to regain control over the tourism boom. Residents like Benjamin Brickner, chair of Pomfret’s select board, describe the situation as unsustainable. \"This road is not meant for parking along the side of any number,\" Brickner said. Local businesses and officials argue that while tourism is essential to the local economy, the uncontrolled influx is detrimental to the quality of life for residents. In Woodstock, a neighboring town, tourism generates between $300,000 to $400,000 annually through local taxes. Despite the financial benefits, balancing the needs of locals and tourists has become increasingly challenging. This issue isn\'t unique to Pomfret. Overtourism fueled by influencers has affected destinations worldwide. From European cathedrals to small cafes in Brooklyn, the surge in tourists seeking Instagram-worthy spots has forced many places to implement restrictions. In Vermont, however, the hope is that the situation will eventually resolve itself. The town leaders of Pomfret are optimistic that the attention will eventually die down and that the road closures will not be a permanent solution. For now, the town remains focused on managing the crowds and keeping the small, peaceful atmosphere of Pomfret intact, as they navigate the challenges brought on by the rise of social media tourism.
Survey Reveals Americans Place More Trust in Amazon and TikTok Than Elon Musk\’s X and the US Government
A new survey shows that Americans trust Amazon and TikTok more than Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and the U.S. government. The survey, conducted by All About Cookies, found that X ranked last among major social media platforms in terms of trust, following a series of controversial decisions since Musk took over. According to the May survey, Amazon led the way with 70% of respondents expressing trust in the company. Google and Netflix followed closely behind with 65% and 64% of people trusting them, respectively. In contrast, TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, received the trust of only 29% of respondents. Despite concerns from U.S. officials about ByteDance possibly sharing user data with the Chinese government, TikTok still ranked higher than X. X, however, lagged significantly, with only 28% of respondents trusting the platform. This placed it even lower than the U.S. government, which also scored 28% in the survey. Notably, 43% of people expressed distrust in the government, while 44% said they did not trust X at all. The survey results suggest that X has lost credibility with the public, which may be attributed to major changes Musk has made since acquiring Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion. Following the acquisition, Musk made significant cuts to X\'s workforce, including layoffs in the trust and safety team. The team, initially made up of around 230 employees, was reduced to about 20. Yoel Roth, who was in charge of trust and safety, resigned shortly after Musk took control of the company. Since then, X has faced criticism over its handling of misinformation, particularly after Musk implemented Community Notes as a solution. However, reports have shown that fact-checks on false posts can take hours, or even days, to appear. Musk has also come under fire for some of his own posts. In one case, he was criticized for amplifying an antisemitic comment on X. He later apologized, saying he was \"naive\" about the issue. More recently, Musk posted a controversial joke about President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, which raised concerns from the U.S. Secret Service. X has also faced regulatory scrutiny in other countries. In Brazil, the platform was banned for months due to its handling of harmful content. Eventually, Musk\'s platform agreed to follow stricter content moderation rules imposed by the country\'s Supreme Court. Despite these efforts, X continues to face challenges, and public trust remains low.
Wondrlab Expands with Sixth Acquisition: Opa Joins the Influencer Marketing Portfolio
Wondrlab, a rapidly growing digital network, has made a significant move in the influencer marketing sector by acquiring Opa, one of India’s largest influencer marketing platforms. This acquisition marks Wondrlab’s second in the influencer marketing space and its sixth overall. With this move, Wondrlab aims to strengthen its platform offerings and solidify its position within the fast-growing creator economy. Opa, known for its advanced technology and user-friendly interface, collaborates with over 300,000 influencers and 500 brands, including big names like Nykaa, Vero Moda, Purplle, and Sugar. The platform facilitates 40,000 collaborations monthly, offering a seamless experience for brands and influencers to connect. By integrating Opa’s capabilities, Wondrlab positions itself as one of India’s largest and most comprehensive influencer marketing networks. Saurabh Varma, Founder and CEO of Wondrlab Network, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating that Opa\'s inclusion would \"supercharge\" their influencer marketing capabilities. He emphasized the importance of the creator economy, particularly the mid-funnel and driving engagement, which he believes will be crucial for brands in the future. Opa’s co-founders, Rupansh Goyal and Chandan Routray, also voiced their enthusiasm for joining Wondrlab. Goyal praised Wondrlab’s expertise in scaling businesses and stated that the partnership would unlock new opportunities for both brands and influencers. Routray echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Opa had only \"scratched the surface\" of the creator economy and that Wondrlab’s extensive marketing knowledge would help them bring innovative solutions to the industry. The acquisition of Opa is part of Wondrlab\'s broader strategy to expand within the influencer marketing ecosystem. The addition of Opa complements Wondrlab’s earlier acquisition of Opportune, further cementing its influence in the sector. Varma reiterated Wondrlab\'s commitment to supporting visionary founders, stating that Goyal and Routray, both IIT alumni, had built a remarkable platform. He added that the collaboration between the two companies comes at a critical moment for the creator economy and expressed confidence in their ability to shape the future of influencer marketing. With the combination of Wondrlab\'s 360-degree marketing expertise and Opa’s extensive reach in the influencer space, the partnership is poised to bring innovative solutions that benefit both brands and creators.