Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Instagram User-Created AI Chatbots Being Tested
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Thursday that the company will start testing user-created AI chatbots on Instagram. The tests, which will begin in the U.S., aim to introduce AI characters made by creators through Meta AI studio. Zuckerberg revealed the initiative on his broadcast channel, emphasizing that these chatbots will be clearly marked as AI. \"Rolling out an early test in the U.S. of our AI studio so you might start seeing Instagram AI chatbots from your favorite creators and interest-based AIs in the coming weeks. These will primarily show up in messaging for now and will be clearly labeled as AI,\" he said. The announcement coincides with the launch of a16z-backed Character.AI\'s new feature that allows users to talk with AI avatars over a call. Zuckerberg highlighted the collaboration with creators like the meme account Wasted and technology creator Don Allen Stevenson III to develop early versions of these Instagram AI bots. In an interview shared on his social channels, Zuckerberg elaborated on the potential uses for AI avatars. He mentioned the need for diverse APIs to cater to different interests and noted that enabling creators and small businesses to build their own Instagram AI chatbots would help them interact with their community and customers. Zuckerberg also addressed the challenge of perfecting AI avatars, calling it an evolving \"art form.\" He said, \"I don’t think we know going into this what is going to be the most engaging and entertaining and trust-building formula for this. So we want to give people tools so that you can experiment with this and see what ends up working well.\" Meta will initially test the feature with around 50 creators and a small percentage of users, planning to expand it to more users over the next few months. The goal is to have the feature fully launched by August. Meta first introduced its AI studio last year at its developer conference, aiming to enable businesses to build custom chatbots. This new development on Instagram represents a significant step in Meta\'s efforts to integrate AI technology into its social media platforms.
Logan Paul Sues Coffeezilla For Claiming CryptoZoo Is A \’Scam\’
Logan Paul has filed a defamation lawsuit against Stephen Findeisen, known as Coffeezilla, following a series of videos by Findeisen that labeled Paul\'s CryptoZoo game a “scam.” Coffeezilla, a self-described investigative journalist, has made multiple videos and comments accusing Paul of deceptive practices with his NFT game, CryptoZoo. The lawsuit, detailed in a 47-page document, begins with Paul asserting that he is a globally recognized entertainer, athlete, and entrepreneur. It characterizes Findeisen as an untrained journalist and “internet detective” lacking formal journalism training or a private investigator’s license. The lawsuit aims to hold Findeisen accountable for what Paul alleges are malicious and false statements. The defamation suit claims that Coffeezilla told his viewers not only that the CryptoZoo project was a scam but also that it was a scam orchestrated by Paul himself. The document reveals that Paul had considered legal action when the initial videos were released but chose not to pursue it, stating he was “willing to let bygones be bygones.” However, following Coffeezilla’s final video and critical comments about Paul\'s “buyback program,” Paul decided to sue. Paul\'s lawsuit claims that the videos caused significant harm to his reputation and mental health. It seeks $75,000 in compensatory damages for the impact on his brand and reputation. The lawsuit emphasizes that Paul wants to hold Findeisen liable for the damage caused by the dissemination of what he calls defamatory falsehoods. Logan Paul\'s lawsuit not only seeks financial compensation but also aims to restore his reputation, which he claims has been severely damaged by Coffeezilla’s allegations. The suit underscores the broader implications of online accusations and the potential harm they can cause to public figures. By taking legal action, Paul hopes to set a precedent for how defamatory content is addressed in the digital age, particularly within the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and blockchain projects. Coffeezilla’s response to the lawsuit is awaited with significant interest, as it could have far-reaching consequences for both parties and the wider community of online content creators and journalists. Adding another layer to the public discourse, the controversy has spilled onto social media platforms like Twitter, where the hashtag #LoganPaulvsCoffeezilla has gained traction. Logan Paul has taken to Twitter to defend himself and his CryptoZoo project, sparking heated debates among followers and detractors. Coffeezilla has also used Twitter to share his investigative findings and respond to Paul\'s statements, making the platform a central battleground in the ongoing feud.
\’Hawk Tuah\’ Girl Already Sold $65,000 Worth Of Merch, Won\’t Reveal How Much She Earns
Hailey Welch, known online as the \"Hawk Tuah\" Girl, has turned her viral moment into a lucrative partnership with Fathead Threads, a hat company. Her infamous phrase, which catapulted her into internet fame, is now emblazoned on a variety of merchandise, including \"Hawk Tuah Girl merch,\" bringing in significant revenue. Since going viral, Welch teamed up with Fathead Threads to sell hats featuring her signature phrase. The company\'s owner, Jason Poteete, revealed to Rolling Stone that they have sold around 2,000 hats so far. The cheapest hat retails at $32.78, and a signed version, which quickly sold out, was priced at $50. With these numbers, the company has generated over $65,000 in sales from the \"Hawk Tuah\" merchandise. While it’s unclear what Welch\'s exact share of the profits is, it\'s likely she is making a substantial amount from the deal. Despite her newfound fame and financial success, Welch has chosen to maintain a low profile and has not signed with a major talent agency like UTA, contrary to some reports. Poteete mentioned that Welch is still coming to terms with her sudden fame, requesting that no personal details about her life be shared and her face not be featured on the merchandise. This indicates Welch\'s preference for privacy despite the public attention. The success of the \"Hawk Tuah\" merchandise shows how a viral internet moment can quickly be monetized. Welch’s story is a prime example of how internet fame can be turned into a profitable venture, even if the person behind the fame prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Welch\'s rise to fame began with a NSFW street interview that captured the internet\'s attention. The viral video, often referred to as the \"Hawk Tuah Girl viral video,\" led to countless memes and widespread recognition, making her a household name almost overnight. Despite the unexpected celebrity status, Welch has managed to navigate her new reality on her own terms, choosing to capitalize on her catchphrase while avoiding the typical pitfalls of viral fame. This careful balance of leveraging her moment while maintaining personal boundaries highlights Welch\'s savvy approach to her unexpected stardom. The \"Hawk Tuah\" meme has become a significant part of internet culture, sparking discussions and interpretations of the \"Hawk Tuah meaning.\" Welch’s ability to turn a simple phrase into a successful brand demonstrates the power of social media and viral content in shaping modern fame and fortune.
Dr Disrespect Knowingly Sent Explicit DMs To Minor, Ex-Twitch Employee Says
New details regarding the 2020 Twitch ban of Guy Beahm, also known as the popular streamer Dr Disrespect, have emerged following a report from Rolling Stone, including insights from a former Twitch employee. This Dr Disrespect news sheds light on the controversial streamer’s past behavior. Beahm recently acknowledged that in 2017, he engaged in conversations with a minor via Twitch\'s now-defunct Whispers feature, admitting that these exchanges \"sometimes leaned too much in the direction of being inappropriate.\" However, the former Twitch employee revealed that despite the minor informing Beahm of their underage status, Beahm continued to send \"sexually graphic\" messages to them, as reported by Rolling Stone. The former employee emphasized that there was no confusion about the nature of the messages, stating that subsequent communications were equally explicit and sexually graphic, indicating a severe and sustained pattern of inappropriate behavior. The employee also detailed Twitch\'s swift response to the Whispers messages, highlighting the decision to permanently ban Beahm from the platform due to the severity of the behavior. Additionally, it was revealed that Twitch established an incident response team, codenamed \"Gold Sparrow,\" to address streamer sexual misconduct allegations following multiple incidents in June 2020, which is a significant part of the Dr Disrespect Twitch drama. Neither Twitch nor Beahm provided a response to IGN\'s request for comment on the Rolling Stone report, and Twitch has not publicly addressed the recent revelations about the 2020 ban. Meanwhile, YouTube, where Beahm currently streams, has not commented on the situation. Former global head of gaming partnerships at Google, Ryan Wyatt, disclosed to Rolling Stone that Beahm was not offered a contract with YouTube due to the rumors surrounding the ban, with YouTube employees being made aware of the inappropriate messages with a minor. The situation resurfaced following a post from former Twitch employee Cody Conners, alleging that Beahm was banned almost four years ago for inappropriate behavior with a minor. Beahm responded to the reports, admitting that his conversations with the minor \"should have never happened,\" while asserting that no illegal activities occurred, and pointing to a resolved 2021 lawsuit against Twitch over the ban. This statement from Dr Disrespect adds another layer to the ongoing controversy. In the wake of these revelations, several brands and partners have severed ties with Beahm, including Turtle Beach, 2K, the San Francisco 49ers, and the game studio Midnight Society, which Beahm co-founded. These developments underscore the significant impact and consequences of the recent revelations surrounding Beahm\'s conduct. The Dr Disrespect Twitch ban and the ensuing fallout highlight the ongoing challenges and complexities in the streaming and gaming communities.
Elections 2024: Immigrant Social Media Star Launches Campaign For Miami-Dade Mayor
CBS News Miami\'s Jim DeFede devoted an entire half-hour to social media influencer Alex Otaola, who is running for mayor in the Miami Dade Elections 2024. Otaola, 45, arrived in the United States over 20 years ago and has since built a significant media presence. He hosts a Spanish-language show on YouTube with nearly 700,000 subscribers. While he may not be widely known to all, he is a key figure for politicians seeking the Cuban vote, who have been courting him for years. During the program, Otaola, who understands English but prefers to speak in Spanish, was accompanied by a translator. He and DeFede discussed his reasons for running and why he believes voters should elect him in the upcoming Miami Dade mayor election. Otaola highlighted his commitment to the community and his vision for the future of Miami-Dade County. The interview also touched on some of the more controversial aspects of Otaola\'s candidacy. Despite these controversies, Otaola remains a significant figure in the political landscape, especially among Cuban voters. Otaola\'s media empire and influence have made him a notable candidate, and his campaign is closely watched by both supporters and critics. As the race for Miami Dade mayor heats up, Otaola\'s unique position as a social media influencer turned political candidate continues to draw attention. Otaola\'s candidacy represents a shift in political dynamics, where social media influencers leverage their platforms to enter traditional political arenas. His campaign strategy heavily relies on his vast online following, using his YouTube channel and other social media platforms to engage with potential voters directly. This approach allows him to bypass traditional media channels and speak directly to his audience, a tactic that has proven effective in building a dedicated base of support. Despite his popularity, Otaola faces significant challenges. Critics question his political experience and ability to govern effectively. His outspoken nature and controversial opinions have also polarized public opinion. During the interview, DeFede did not shy away from these issues, pressing Otaola on his qualifications and how he plans to address the complex issues facing Miami-Dade County. Otaola responded confidently, emphasizing his deep connection with the community and his commitment to bringing a fresh perspective to local government. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how Otaola\'s unconventional campaign will fare against more traditional Miami Dade mayor candidates.
Toys R Us AI Commercial Receives Flak For Inconsistent, Unnatural Visuals [Video]
Toys “R” Us has faced online backlash after releasing an ad created using OpenAI’s new video generation tool, Sora. Although Sora is not yet publicly available, AI enthusiasts have been experimenting with other video generators, such as Luma Labs Dream Machine, to create surreal clips from iconic memes. The AI-generated Toys “R” Us AI ad depicts the company\'s founder, Charles Lazarus, inspired to create the brand after experiencing a vivid dream. While some AI enthusiasts were excited about the commercial use of AI, many critics found the ad\'s footage repulsive. The ad showcases both the capabilities and weaknesses of AI-generated video, as it struggles with consistent character models. Young Charles morphs throughout the video, prompting one commentator to compare the boy to a figure from a “weird dream.” The chosen footage for the final edit, filled with errors such as melting half-bicycles, wonky window panes, and a dead-eyed stare from an AI-generated man, highlights the machine\'s limitations. Charles\' sudden head turn feels unnatural, and the toy shelves in his dream feature distorted toys, as if his subconscious is struggling to recall what toys actually look like. Generative AI is under increased scrutiny due to its impact on the power grid and the potential devaluation of human creative expression. Critics argue that using AI for creative tasks is cheap and disrespectful to artists whose work is often used without permission to train AI models. On social media platform X, one commentator expressed cynicism: “There\'s something so cynical about creating an ad about the limitless imagination of a child and then rendering it with soulless AI slop.” Another added: “We all cheered when Toys ‘R’ Us returned from near death, but now we all want to send it straight to hell. What a gross slap in the face to the whole toys industry. And beyond that, to the ENTIRE idea of imaginative play. An abysmal insult. Shame on everyone involved.” In a press release, Kim Miller Olko, Toys “R” Us Global Chief Marketing Officer and President of Toys “R” Us Studios, defended the Toys “R” Us AI commercial as an innovation: “Charles Lazarus was a visionary ahead of his time and we wanted to honor his legacy with a spot using the most cutting-edge technology available,” Olko said. “Our brand embraces innovation and the emotional appeal of Toys ‘R’ Us to connect with consumers in unexpected ways. We aim to capture that nostalgic feeling and deliver it uniquely to Toys ‘R’ Us kids of all ages.” Critics are concerned about using generative AI to target children, arguing that young minds deserve art created by humans. The backlash intensified with Amazon\'s announcement of a new AI-created Winnie-the-Pooh series for \"production efficiency,\" which was criticized for using AI to cut costs and for its unedited, flawed promo image. The use of generative AI in children’s media, including the infamous Glasgow Willy Wonka fiasco, has led to a surge of low-quality content flooding the internet, prompting growing backlash against the automation of art.
Netizens Pay For UberEats Driver\’s Wedding After Touching Note About Saving Up For His Bride
At a time when heartwarming gestures often go unnoticed, the story of UberEats driver Paul Slobodzian has touched the hearts of people worldwide, turning a simple delivery into a viral sensation and an unexpected windfall. For the past year and a half, Slobodzian has been delivering food on the side to save up for a dream wedding for his fiancée, Aly Perkins. His dedication caught the attention of Erica Hernandez in Phoenix, Arizona, when he delivered her Chipotle order last week. Alongside her food, Hernandez found a handwritten note from Slobodzian, asking for a tip to help fund his upcoming wedding. The note read, \"Thank you for your order. I am driving on the side to give my fiancée the wedding she deserves,\" and included Slobodzian’s Venmo handle. Touched by the message, Hernandez shared it on TikTok to reach generous individuals who might contribute. “I just felt really inspired to post it and see if my friends would be willing to donate or any followers that I had on there to donate,” Hernandez told Fox 10 Phoenix. The response was immediate and overwhelming. The video quickly went viral, amassing countless views and inspiring a flood of donations from people moved by Slobodzian’s story. The couple received enough money to cover their wedding expenses in just a few hours. “My phone hasn’t stopped since Friday afternoon,” Slobodzian said. “It’s been thousands of messages of people supporting us.” Slobodzian never intended for his note to go beyond the customers he delivered to, let alone become an internet sensation. “I never set out to leave those notes with the intention of somebody making a video about it or even trying to broadcast it to anybody besides the person I was delivering to,” he said. The outpouring of support not only met but exceeded their wedding fund goals. In a remarkable act of gratitude, Slobodzian and Perkins gave $1,000 to Hernandez and invited her to their wedding. “We didn’t really expect anything to come of this,” Perkins said. “The fact that a stranger got our note and felt so compelled to post it on the internet and advocate for two strangers is unbelievable.” With their wedding now fully funded, Slobodzian has decided to put his side hustle on hold. The couple’s story serves as a testament to the power of community and the impact of small acts of kindness, showing that even in the digital age, genuine human connections can make a significant difference. In today\'s good news, this UberEats driver wedding story is a beautiful reminder of how simple acts can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Slobodzian\'s journey as an UberEats driver and the generosity he received highlight the meaningful connections and support that can arise from just a few heartfelt words and the power of social media.
Rice Ozempic Drink: Is This TikTok Weight Loss Trend Effective?
\"Rice-Zempic,\" a peculiar concoction of rice, water, and lime juice, has gained popularity on TikTok as a supposed weight loss solution. This TikTok weight loss trend is being promoted as a cheap alternative to medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which aid weight loss by mimicking a hormone produced naturally during eating. However, experts assert that the drink has \"zero scientific backing,\" and any weight loss resulting from it will be short-lived. “While rice water may have some nutritional benefits, such as providing energy from its starch content, there is no evidence to suggest it has any properties that would significantly impact weight loss, especially in the manner that anti-diabetic medications like Ozempic do,” said Scott Keatley, a registered dietitian and co-owner of New York City’s Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. One TikToker claimed to have lost 7.2 pounds by drinking a glass of rice water on an empty stomach every morning for a week. This TikTok weight loss product, however, did not offset the weight gained from consuming beers and junk food, admitted another TikToker. Dr. Mir Ali, the medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California, stated that while rice water is “relatively low calorie,” it lacks the hormonal effects of Ozempic. “I don’t want people to misconstrue this as Ozempic,” he said. “It’s not.” Rice-Zempic seems to mimic Oatzempic, another TikTok weight loss drink made from a blend of oatmeal, water, and lime juice. Tara Schmidt, a registered dietitian and nutrition instructor at Mayo Clinic, noted that oats have nutritional value, being rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that may reduce cravings, and containing antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and improve heart health. “I just want everyone to eat healthy, well-balanced, delicious meals; so, if the oat water and lime drink appeals to you, okay! I can certainly list worse,” Schmidt said. “Just remember, though, we’ve gone through these single-food diet trends for years, many of which don’t truly help people lose weight and keep it off,” she added. Despite its low-calorie content, the starchy rice water does not replicate the hormonal effects of Ozempic. Experts urge caution and recommend sticking to balanced diets and evidence-based weight loss methods.
MrBeast Car Giveaway Winner Told Her Receipts Were Fraudulent, Win Gets Canceled
An Australian woman, Isabella Wilson, is devastated after being told she won a car in a giveaway competition run by YouTube star MrBeast, only to be disqualified because of a Woolworths receipt deemed \"fraudulent.\" Thousands of fans gathered at the Sydney Opera House forecourt to witness MrBeast, whose real name is James Donaldson, give away 10 cars, including a Lamborghini, to lucky competition winners yesterday afternoon. This event was one of the highlights of MrBeast\'s Sydney visit. Wilson, a Sydneysider, was notified on Sunday evening that she had won a car in the competition. She provided a photo of her Woolworths receipt and a screenshot informing her of the win to 9news.com.au. Australian fans could enter the competition by purchasing a chocolate bar from MrBeast\'s Feastables chocolate bar range. Each chocolate bar bought qualified the buyer for one competition entry. Wilson, a big fan of MrBeast, rushed to Woolworths to buy 10 chocolate bars as soon as she heard about the Australian competition. Wilson said she was thrilled to learn she had won, but her excitement was short-lived. On Monday, she was informed that her receipt had been flagged as fraudulent, and her entry was disqualified. \"I couldn\'t believe it. I was so excited, and then it all just came crashing down,\" Wilson said. \"I bought the bars fair and square, so I don\'t understand how my receipt could be fraudulent.\" MrBeast\'s team confirmed that all entries were thoroughly checked and that any receipt flagged as suspicious would be disqualified to ensure the competition\'s fairness. They did not provide specific details about why Wilson\'s receipt was deemed fraudulent. Wilson said she feels crushed by the outcome, as she had been a long-time supporter of MrBeast and his charitable efforts. She expressed hope that there might be a way to resolve the issue and reclaim her prize. MrBeast\'s giveaways, including the MrBeast car giveaway in Sydney, have become legendary for their scale and generosity. The Sydney event was no exception, drawing a massive crowd eager to see who would drive away in the luxury cars. Despite the controversy surrounding Wilson\'s disqualification, the event was a huge success, with many fans leaving thrilled by the spectacle. The incident has sparked discussions online, with many fans sympathizing with Wilson and questioning the competition\'s verification process. MrBeast\'s team has yet to respond to the growing concerns from the public.
NBA 2K To Remove Dr Disrespect Content Following Twitch Ban, Minor DMs Scandal
Amid the fallout surrounding prominent streamer Dr Disrespect, 2K confirmed that his presence will be removed from NBA 2K24 over the coming weeks. Last week, a former Twitch employee posted a message on Twitter/X, alleging that Dr Disrespect was permanently banned from the streaming platform for inappropriately messaging a minor. Dr Disrespect, whose real name is Herschel \"Guy\" Beahm IV, has since admitted to sending the messages and confirmed that they were the reason for his ban. This revelation has led several organizations to distance themselves from the streamer. Dr Disrespect’s gaming studio, Midnight Society, has disassociated itself from him. Additionally, the San Francisco 49ers announced that they would no longer collaborate with Doc. Now, 2K has decided to cut ties with Dr Disrespect. His name and associated content will be removed from NBA 2K24. 2K confirmed that his name will disappear from the game, and his custom animations will be replaced with generic ones. Dr Disrespect had been featured in MyCareer mode, where his in-game jump shot and dunk style were equippable animations. This change will be implemented with the Season 9 patch, as the update for Season 8 was released just a few days earlier. Season 8 will go live on June 28, 2024. Additionally, 2K stated that Dr Disrespect content would not be featured in subsequent games. The news follows Dr Disrespect’s statement on X that he did interact inappropriately with a minor but denied any ill intention behind the messages. He posted, “Were there Twitch whisper messages with an individual minor back in 2017? The answer is yes. Were there real intentions behind these messages? The answer is absolutely not. These were casual, mutual conversations that sometimes leaned too much in the direction of being inappropriate, but nothing more. Nothing illegal happened, no pictures were shared, no crimes were committed, I never even met the individual.” The decision by 2K to remove Dr Disrespect\'s content reflects the broader industry\'s response to the controversy, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all players and fans.