4 Instagram stars accused of scamming, faking or plagiarism, and the backlash that ensued
- Not everything on Instagram is as it seems and these influencers have all been called out for various misdeeds
- One influencer couple was accused of faking a surprise engagement; another couple’s dream lifestyle is apparently funded by a parent
A German influencer couple made headlines recently after setting up a Gofundme page to raise funds for a tandem bike trip from Germany to Africa “and hopefully beyond”, then let slip that a mum was working two jobs to fund their carefree lifestyle.
Catalin Onc and Elena Engelhardt run the Instagram account “Another Beautiful Day”, which depicts the married couple striking poses in Kathmandu, Bali and various European cities.
“We could write a long text about mental health or global warming … We could tell you how beautiful travelling is, and its benefits, or the fact that most news don’t match reality. But we’re going to show you! Less talking more action,” the couple’s Gofundme page states.
“We need you,” the post continues, with a request for €10,000 (US$11,200) to pay for the trip.
The crowdfunding attempt has not been well-received, probably because the heavily tattooed Onc admitted in a now-deleted Facebook post that his mother supports them financially – although she is not well off. Many commented to call the couple “entitled brats”, or suggested they get regular jobs.