Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Influencer Climbs Skyscraper Wearing A Lionel Messi Jersey, No Harness; Won\’t Get Arrested
Marcin Banot, a Polish influencer and climber renowned for his daring escapades, recently made headlines by scaling a 125-meter-high skyscraper in downtown Buenos Aires. Banot accomplished this feat without a harness, wearing only a Lionel Messi T-shirt. His impressive ascent took him up twenty-five floors before being \"rescued\" by the City\'s Firefighters. Following the rescue, he received treatment from the Emergency Medical Attention System (SAME) and was subsequently detained by police. Banot, who had previously attempted to climb the same building\'s facade last Friday, faced no initial charges. However, authorities have now decided that he must cover the costs of the complex rescue operation that ensued after his second attempt. The 35-year-old climber gained fame in Poland through his participation in the TV show Ninja Warrior, which is known for its challenging obstacle courses. Beyond his televised exploits, Banot has also climbed notable structures like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and a large complex of radio antennas near the former nuclear power plant in Chernobyl, Ukraine. His adventures are regularly chronicled on his popular Instagram account, where he shares his daring feats with a wide audience. The Buenos Aires emergency services launched a rescue operation around 13:50 local time (16:50 GMT). Specialized agents had to hang from the building’s walls to prevent Banot from continuing his ascent. Due to the language barrier, a Polish translator was brought in to assist with the rescue. The rescue team descended ten floors from the rooftop to reach Banot and immobilize him. They brought him in through an open gap in the facade, as the building is covered by a metal mosaic structure, making closer access difficult. During the operation, the area around the skyscraper was crowded with local press, curious onlookers, and workers unable to enter their offices, including those from the Argentine tech company Globant. Once Banot was safely detained, the crowd erupted in applause, praising the rescuers for their efforts. Marcin Banot’s bold climbs and the ensuing rescue operation in Buenos Aires have only added to his growing legend, as documented on his Instagram. His adventures continue to captivate audiences around the world, showcasing his fearless approach to extreme climbing.
Gen Z Influencers Who Once Supported Biden Now Label Him \’Out of Step\’
In 2020, numerous top TikTok content creators united with a single goal: elect Joe Biden. They posted videos, hosted online events, and educated followers to help Biden defeat Donald Trump. Four years later, the coalition, now called Gen-Z for Change, has not endorsed Biden’s reelection. “Biden is out of step with young people on a number of key issues,” said Aidan Kohn-Murphy, 20, the coalition’s founder. This reflects widespread dissatisfaction among Gen Z voters. As the 2024 election approaches, Gen Z influencers on TikTok and other platforms express anger and resentment towards Biden. They feel disaffected by Biden’s positions on the Gaza war, climate crisis, and his support for a potential TikTok ban. The White House’s strategy of courting friendly influencers while excluding critical voices has intensified this rift. When Biden took office in 2021, the White House worked with Gen Z creators to promote the coronavirus vaccine and brief them on key issues. At a 2022 briefing on the Ukraine war, press secretary Jen Psaki and Matt Miller, special adviser for communications at the White House National Security Council, emphasized Biden’s view of influencers as the “new media.” However, the influencer strategy seems to have shifted. Influencers like Kahlil Greene, a history content creator, and Annie Wu Henry, a political influencer, claim they haven’t been invited to the White House since criticizing the administration. They argue that the White House now favors pro-Biden influencers. This exclusion has stark consequences for Biden. In the first four months of 2024, nearly a quarter of top left-leaning content creators on TikTok posted anti-Biden content, garnering over 100 million views. According to CredoIQ, a social media analytics firm, much of this content comes from young, non-White liberals who believe Biden wants to restrict free speech and information flow. A recent Morning Consult poll found that two-thirds of Gen Z voters are less likely to vote for Biden due to his support for a potential TikTok ban. Smaller groups are unhappy with his handling of the Gaza war (46 percent) and approval of new oil and gas drilling projects on federal land (38 percent). A White House spokesperson said officials continue to meet with creators holding diverse viewpoints, including critics. They emphasized the administration’s historic steps to engage digital creators and reach Americans who don’t follow traditional news. To recruit new online supporters, the Biden campaign has contracted Village Marketing, an influencer marketing firm. However, creators are less eager to support a political campaign in 2024 compared to 2020. They expect more in return for their support. Gen-Z for Change Executive Director Elise Joshi, a content creator and climate activist, said she and others feel betrayed by Biden’s policies on climate change, the pandemic, and the Gaza war. Joshi emphasized the importance of substantive engagement over event invitations. Alaina Wood, a Gen Z sustainability scientist and content creator, said she felt cut off from the Biden administration after becoming critical of his policies. She and other creators are skeptical that Biden’s latest attempts to recruit influencers will significantly impact Gen Z support for his reelection in the Biden vs Trump 2024 election.
Healthy TikTok Executive Shocked by Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis Following Half Marathon
Govind Sandhu, Head of Global Music Partnerships at TikTok, has shared his recent diagnosis of stage four Non-Hodgkin\'s lymphoma on social media. Despite being fit and healthy, the 38-year-old executive discovered something was wrong with his health the day after completing the Sydney Half Marathon. In a video posted on his Instagram on June 12, Sandhu explained that he first noticed a swollen knee, which he initially attributed to a running injury. However, over the next few weeks, he experienced severe body aches, sweats, and symptoms resembling the flu or Covid. These non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms deteriorated rapidly, prompting him to seek medical attention. After multiple doctor visits, blood tests, scans, and biopsies, Sandhu received the preliminary diagnosis of stage four non-Hodgkin\'s lymphoma. He also mentioned complications found above his pancreas and on his heart. While his heart appears to be okay, the abnormality above his pancreas will require treatment. Sandhu stated that he would soon start aggressive chemotherapy, which is a common non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, and is currently on steroids and antibiotics. He thanked the hospital staff for their care and acknowledged the upcoming challenge as the biggest of his life. He urged others to get regular check-ups and blood work, emphasizing that cancer does not discriminate. In his video, Sandhu expressed his determination to fight the disease and keep his followers updated on his progress. He shared that his purpose in documenting his journey is for personal healing and to provide useful information to others. Despite the diagnosis, Sandhu remains hopeful and focused on the future, stating that he has much more to live for and is grateful for his life. Sandhu’s announcement has resonated with many, garnering an outpouring of support from followers, colleagues, and the wider TikTok community. Messages of encouragement and solidarity flooded his social media, with many praising his bravery and transparency. His openness about his condition aims to inspire others facing similar battles and emphasizes the critical need for early medical intervention and regular health screenings, even for those who appear to be in peak physical condition. The TikTok executive team has also rallied behind Sandhu, showing their support and commitment to raising awareness about Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma symptoms and treatments.
Vegan Influencer Discovers Boyfriend\’s Cheating Through Pepperoni Pizza Order
A vegan influencer in Brazil, Sabrina Low, recently discovered her boyfriend was cheating on her through an unexpected source: a pepperoni pizza order. Low, whose real name is Sabrina Lourenço, stumbled upon the revealing detail while using her boyfriend’s phone to order food. The influencer, who has nearly 90,000 followers on Instagram, found the meaty pizza in her boyfriend\'s order history and immediately knew something was amiss. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” Low told Jam Press. Both she and her boyfriend were staunch vegans, making the order highly suspicious. “How could I have imagined that I would find out this way?” she said. “I knew it wasn’t for him. We always talked about the importance of being vegan, and that was a big part of our values. I fell in love with him for that exact reason.” Seeing the pepperoni purchase was a shocking blow for Low, akin to being \"punched.\" When she confronted her boyfriend, he initially denied any wrongdoing but eventually admitted to the infidelity. “It was then that I realized our relationship was destroyed, and, in that moment, the app was my ally to end this lie,” Low stated. Despite uncovering the betrayal, Low did not specify whether she ultimately ended the relationship. However, she expressed feeling deeply \"betrayed\" by the incident, especially because her boyfriend had always emphasized their shared commitment to veganism. The unexpected discovery highlighted the depth of their shared values and how the breach of those values signified a deeper personal betrayal. The revelation through the pizza order, while unconventional, proved to be a turning point in their relationship, underscoring the importance of trust and shared principles. Interestingly, this incident comes amidst rising scrutiny of vegan influencers on Instagram. Many fans were recently shocked when a prominent vegan influencer was caught eating meat, leading to widespread backlash. Sabrina Low’s experience, however, underscores the personal challenges and integrity issues faced by influencers in maintaining their public persona and personal relationships. Sabrina Low’s story is a stark reminder of how seemingly small actions, like a food order, can unravel significant aspects of one’s life, revealing hidden truths and testing the bonds of trust.
Celebrities, Influencers Less Likable When Social Media Comments Are Disabled: Study
Researchers from the University of Alabama and Vanderbilt University have published a study in the Journal of Marketing exploring the effects of disabling social media comments by celebrities and influencers. The study, titled \"No Comments (From You): Understanding the Interpersonal and Professional Consequences of Disabling Social Media Comments,\" was conducted by Michelle Daniels and Freeman Wu. The research reveals that celebrities and influencers, such as Addison Rae, Hailey Bieber, Justin Timberlake, and Oprah, often turn off social media comments to avoid negative feedback. However, this action can have unintended negative consequences. According to the study, influencers who disable comments are perceived as less persuasive and likable compared to those who keep comments enabled, even when the comments are mostly negative. This insight is crucial for any influencer marketing strategy, as it affects how influencers can leverage their online presence to drive consumer engagement and sales. In the digital age, influencers play a significant role in connecting brands with consumers by integrating their personal stories into brand content. Despite their popularity, influencers face considerable criticism and sometimes disable comments to protect themselves from negative sentiments. However, this behavior can backfire, impacting how consumers perceive and respond to their content, as demonstrated by the findings of this social media study. Online influencers are seen as sincere and approachable because they engage directly with their followers, treating them more as friends than consumers. This engagement fosters a sense of intimacy and increases consumer interaction, which is essential for the success of any influencer marketing strategy. However, the constant feedback can be overwhelming and detrimental to influencers\' mental health, prompting many to disable comments. The study highlights that disabling comments can harm influencers\' reputations. Michelle Daniels explains, \"When influencers disable comments, they are perceived as less receptive to consumer feedback, or \'consumer voice.\' This makes them seem less sincere and undermines their ability to connect and engage with followers.\" Leaving comments enabled, even if they are negative, suggests that influencers are open to public opinion and willing to learn from their actions. Conversely, turning off comments signals a dismissive attitude toward others\' opinions. Consumers may empathize with influencers who disable comments for personal reasons, such as grief or mental health struggles. However, they are less understanding when comments are disabled to avoid criticism, especially after a public apology. These findings underscore the importance of balancing personal boundaries and audience expectations. While protecting mental health is crucial, how influencers manage their social media interactions significantly affects their relationships with followers and ultimately the influencer effect on sales. The study also notes the growing importance of influencer marketing, with global spending expected to exceed $47.8 billion by 2027. Influencers and brands must carefully manage online interactions and clearly communicate reasons for disabling comments to maintain strong connections with their audience. This careful management is pivotal not only for maintaining the influencers\' personal brand but also for ensuring the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns in driving sales and consumer engagement.
Influencer Marketing Impact: 58% of Social Media Users Buy Products Seen in Influencer Posts
A new research report by IZEA Worldwide, Inc., titled “Influencers & Discount Clubs 2024,” sheds light on the significant impact of influencers on consumer behavior at discount club stores across the United States. Released today, the study reveals that a substantial 81% of U.S.-based influencers are members of discount clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s, underscoring their pivotal role in driving purchases among club members. This aligns with the growing recognition of influencer marketing effectiveness in shaping consumer choices and boosting sales. The survey, which focused exclusively on brick-and-mortar shopping, found that 68% of respondents overall have active discount club memberships. Notably, 17% of households hold memberships at both Costco and Sam’s Club, while 5% are members of all three major clubs. These figures illustrate the broad reach and influence of discount club memberships within the U.S. market. According to Ted Murphy, CEO and founder of IZEA, influencers wield significant influence over purchasing decisions in these stores. “Our latest report provides fascinating insights into the intersection of influencer marketing and discount club memberships,” Murphy remarked. “Influencers are notably effective at steering consumer choices towards these clubs, with Costco members being 2.3 times more likely to make purchases inspired by influencers at Costco compared to Target or Walmart.” This highlights the powerful influencer effect on sales within these specific retail environments. Key findings from the report include: 74% of BJ’s members have made influencer-driven purchases, outstripping the 58% average across all respondents. Among Costco members, 45% cited Costco as the preferred store for influencer-driven purchases. The study also highlighted influencers\' impact on various demographics: Influencer posts have the greatest sway on product consideration, particularly among 18-to-29-year-olds, where 39% are most likely to try products recommended by influencers. Overall, 58% of respondents have bought products after seeing them used by influencers, with clothing being the most influential category. Marketers can leverage these insights to refine their influencer marketing strategy. For instance, short videos are identified as the most effective content type across age groups for driving store visits and purchases, demonstrating the critical role of social media impact on sales. Walmart emerges as the preferred destination for influencer-inspired purchases among respondents aged 45-60, indicating the diverse preferences across different age groups. Additionally, the report pointed out that discount club members are more active on social media for product research before making purchases, with YouTube being the primary platform for such activities. This behavior underscores the importance of a well-rounded influencer marketing strategy that effectively utilizes various social media platforms to reach and engage target audiences. The findings are based on responses from 1,111 U.S. social media users aged 18 and above, highlighting the growing influence of influencers in shaping consumer behaviors. For more details and to access the full report, visit IZEA’s website. For further updates and resources from IZEA, visit x.com/izea.
Celebrity Makeup Artist Dies After Ignoring Cancer Symptoms
Romanian makeup artist and TikTok influencer Anca Molnar, 35, has tragically passed away after ignoring symptoms of what turned out to be a brain tumor. On Thursday, mourners in her hometown of Timisoara lined the streets, applauding as her coffin passed by. They held pink and purple umbrellas and threw white petals on a red carpet to honor her memory. Molnar, known for her work with local celebrities and her large social media following, had been suffering from severe headaches. Despite the increasing pain, she initially dismissed them as minor. Her friend, Alina Radi, explained, \"She had been experiencing excruciating headaches more frequently. Initially, she didn’t think much of them, because that’s how we are, but she found herself struggling to carry out her daily tasks consistently.\" As one of the prominent makeup influencers on TikTok, Molnar had a significant impact on the beauty community. It was only when the pain became unbearable that Molnar sought medical attention. Just over a year ago, doctors diagnosed her with a brain tumor, but by then, the cancer had progressed too far for effective treatment. According to Australia’s Cancer Council, headaches can be an early sign of brain cancer, but they are common and often not a sign of the disease. However, they advise anyone concerned to see a doctor. Molnar traveled to Turkey for treatment, undergoing brain surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. While the cancer initially went into remission, a second tumor was discovered soon after, necessitating another surgery. Throughout her treatment, Molnar documented her journey on social media, sharing images of herself with a bandaged head and in hospital gowns. Molnar, a celebrated figure among makeup influencers, praised her husband Claudiu for his unwavering support, saying, “I have the strongest and best man by my side, in good times and bad. Thank you my love.” On the day she died, Molnar posted a final message to her Instagram and TikTok accounts, showing a view from a plane above the clouds. The caption read, “I came, lived beautifully and left for another world. I fought as best I knew how and with all my strength … Until the last drop of HOPE. I leave my gratitude in my heart for how beautiful my life has been. Let my smile remain a testimony that I lived it to the fullest.” At her funeral, Claudiu honored his late wife, saying, “We say goodbye, our love! You gave us the best years of our lives. You made us strong men who will never forget you. Me and the fruit of our love, Patrick, say goodbye to you today. Thank you for fighting so hard for us. You leave only among people but not from our hearts! Smooth flight, my love!” Molnar\'s influence reached far beyond her local community. As a makeup artist who worked with celebrities and an influential figure among makeup influencers on TikTok, her legacy will continue to inspire many in the beauty industry.
TikTok\’s \’Door Kick Challenge\’ Gets Teens Arrested; Official Warns Trend Is \’Exceptionally Dangerous\’
Two 15-year-old boys from Spring Hill, Florida, have been arrested after participating in a TikTok challenge known as the \"Door Kick Challenge.\" This challenge involves kicking in the front doors of homes and recording the act to share on social media. The \"Door Kick Challenge gone wrong\" is part of the risky and sometimes dangerous TikTok challenges 2024, which have been gaining traction among teens. The Hernando County Sheriff\'s Office reported that the teens were apprehended after surveillance videos captured them kicking in the doors of four different residences over the past two weeks. The incidents occurred during the early morning hours and caused significant damage, with some doors flying open from the force of the kicks. Sheriff Al Nienhuis expressed concern about the potential dangers of the challenge. \"This situation was exceptionally dangerous on several levels,\" Nienhuis said. \"There was a very good possibility that these young men could have been shot and killed by a homeowner lawfully defending the household. Second, if this occurred, the homeowner would have been burdened with the fact he or she killed two teenagers who were participating in a stupid activity.\" The two teens, who live within walking distance of the homes they targeted, admitted to the acts when questioned by deputies. One of the boys told detectives that they were inspired to kick the doors after seeing the \"Door Kick Challenge\" on TikTok. He insisted that they never intended to enter any of the homes. Both teenagers were charged with four counts of burglary of a dwelling. They were taken to the Hernando County Detention Center, processed, and later released into the custody of their parents. This incident adds to the growing concern over dangerous social media challenges that encourage risky and illegal behavior. TikTok trends like these have been criticized for their potential to cause harm and legal repercussions. The Hernando County Sheriff\'s Office continues to investigate and warns other young people about the serious consequences of participating in such activities.
TradeZero America Fined $250,000 Over Influencer Marketing Violations
TradeZero America, Inc., a trading platform for retail investors, has been fined $250,000 by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) due to regulatory violations related to social media influencer promotions. The Brooklyn-based firm, a FINRA member since 2016, faced allegations of multiple regulatory breaches between July 2020 and October 2022. The settlement addresses issues with the firm\'s use of social media influencers and inaccurate privacy notices provided to customers. FINRA\'s investigation revealed that TradeZero America paid social media influencers to promote its services without ensuring the communications were fair, balanced, and compliant with regulatory standards. Influencer posts often contained exaggerated and promissory statements, violating FINRA rules. Additionally, the firm failed to review and retain records of published videos and posts. \"TradeZero America did not review its influencers\' videos prior to their posting on social media platforms, nor did the firm retain those videos. The firm also did not review or retain influencers\' posts made in online interactive electronic forums,\" FINRA commented. Between January 2020 and January 2022, TradeZero America provided customers with privacy notices that inaccurately described how their nonpublic personal information would be used. According to FINRA, the firm shared sensitive customer information with non-affiliated third parties for marketing purposes without proper disclosure. This is not the first time FINRA has fined a trading firm for influencers\' actions. In mid-March, M1 Finance received a similar penalty, albeit $850,000, for misleading posts on social media. TradeZero America neither admitted nor denied the findings but agreed to the sanctions, including the $250,000 fine and a censure. The firm has since revised its supervisory procedures to ensure compliance with FINRA rules, including mandatory review and approval of social media communications by a registered principal and accurate privacy disclosures. Financial influencers, or \"finfluencers,\" are playing an increasingly significant role in the financial world. A study from this year showed that average investors trust finfluencers more than their friends or family regarding financial advice. Gerhard Van Deventer, the Divisional Executive of Enforcement at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), believes that the work done by influencers in the financial market is dangerous for the savings and money of retail traders. In related news, FINRA recently fined BofA Securities $90,080 for regulatory violations, including filing untimely or inaccurate notifications with the regulator. Additionally, FINRA charged BofA Securities for failing to maintain an adequate supervisory system. The firm’s filings reportedly did not meet the required regulatory deadlines.
MGM Resorts Taps Viral Nation As Its Influencer Marketing Agency Of Record
MGM Resorts International has named Viral Nation its official Influencer Marketing Agency of Record. This partnership aims to enhance MGM Resorts\' presence and engagement within the digital landscape. Viral Nation is known for its expertise in Social-First transformation, creating impactful campaigns, and fostering connections between brands and consumers. Sarah Moore, SVP of Marketing for MGM Resorts, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Aligning with Viral Nation underscores our dedication to leveraging the power of influencer marketing to connect with our diverse audiences in meaningful ways,” she said. “As we evolve our marketing strategies, we are confident Viral Nation\'s unparalleled expertise will further elevate our brands and drive engagement.” MGM Resorts, known for iconic destinations like Bellagio, ARIA, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay, offers top-tier experiences in hospitality, gaming, dining, and entertainment. The collaboration with Viral Nation will utilize the agency’s extensive network of influencers to reach new audiences and reinforce MGM Resorts\' leadership in the global hospitality industry. Joe Gagliese, CEO and Co-Founder of Viral Nation, expressed excitement about the partnership. “We are thrilled to be selected as MGM Resorts\' Influencer Marketing Agency of Record. MGM Resorts\' dedication to cutting-edge strategies mirrors our agency\'s focus on Social-First Marketing, which drives tangible results for brands. By leveraging influencers and social platforms, we\'ll craft compelling campaigns that captivate global audiences and drive meaningful engagement.” Viral Nation will support MGM Resorts with strategy, execution, and implementation of its influencer marketing program, using its award-winning Social-First technology. MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is a global entertainment company with numerous locations offering best-in-class hotels, casinos, meetings and conference spaces, live entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, and retail. The company\'s portfolio includes 31 unique hotel and gaming destinations worldwide. MGM Resorts also operates BetMGM, LLC for sports betting and online gaming in the U.S., and its subsidiary LeoVegas AB offers online gaming in Europe. MGM is pursuing expansion in Asia with integrated resort opportunities in Japan. The company is committed to sustainability and community impact through its \"Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet\" philosophy. MGM Resorts has been recognized as one of FORTUNE Magazine\'s World\'s Most Admired Companies®. Viral Nation, founded in 2014, is a leader in Social-First marketing, connecting culture, influence, and technology to drive results. The agency supports global brands like Audible, Campbell’s, Coca-Cola, Disney, Microsoft, and Walmart. Viral Nation’s services include a full-service creative agency, a 360° digital talent representation agency, and a suite of technology solutions. The company is recognized as one of the fastest-growing technology firms in North America by Deloitte.