An Instagram influencer faces backlash for promoting an air purifier while California wildfires continue to spread and cause destruction.
An Instagram influencer named Draya Michele has come under fire for promoting an air purifier while wildfires rage across California.
Beginning January 7, these fires have caused extensive damage, destroying thousands of buildings and leading to the loss of at least 24 lives.
The situation has raised serious concerns about air quality and health, making Michele’s advertisement particularly controversial.
The huge impact of wildfires
The wildfires in Los Angeles have been devastating.
They have triggered air quality warnings, causing many residents to worry about the smoke and toxic air.
As the fires continued to spread, Michele posted a video on her Instagram account on January 11.
In the video, she showcased an air purifier that costs about $629.
This post quickly drew mixed reactions from her followers and the wider public.
Instagram influencer faces backlash for air purifier advertisement amid spreading LA wildfires
In her Instagram video, Michele unboxed and set up the air purifier.
In her caption, she acknowledged the ongoing fires, stating, “air quality is so poor, toxic even.”
She expressed her desire to keep her kids and pets safe by using the device.
The influencer also mentioned that the brand was offering a discount of $200 for those who used her link.
She concluded her message by emphasizing the importance of peace of mind during such a crisis.
The caption reads: “While the unimaginable is happening with the fires in LA… air quality is so poor, toxic even.
I’m using the @sereniby_official air purifier to ensure that my kids and pets are breathing in fresh, double-filtered air.
The brand is now offering $200 off when you use my link in bio.
There’s no price on peace of mind but having it is more valuable than most worldly things. #prayforla #airquality #airpurifier.”
The response to Michele’s post was divided.
Some social media users criticized her for appearing insensitive during a time of great distress.
Draya using the L.A. fires to promote an air purifier. Like she never does anything right. Tone deaf, one user said.
At the least she could be giving them away. But selling a product at a time like this is sure proof of creamed corn for brains, the second user wrote.
Soooo ain’t nothing wrong with Draya promoting an air purifier that at least 400, while ppl homes are on fire??
Tha purifier isn’t the problem, it’s the price that is, the third user commented.
This sentiment resonated with many who felt that promoting products in the midst of a disaster was inappropriate.
Conversely, others defended Michele, stating that air purifiers could genuinely help those affected by the smoke.
The air purifier company’s response
The air purifier company, Sereniby, responded to the backlash.
A spokesperson clarified that Michele genuinely uses their product and believes it can assist those impacted by the poor air quality in Los Angeles.
They mentioned that Michele and her team reached out to them for a partnership because they thought the purifier could be beneficial.
The spokesperson added that they worked together to make the product more affordable during the crisis.
They clarified Michele was unpaid for her post and thanked her for the support.
The company pledged 10% of January profits to the American Red Cross for relief efforts.
The statement resolved: “Like so many others, we feel powerless against the devastation caused by the LA fires, but we want to help in whatever small way we can. […]
If financial assistance affording an air purifier can help lighten someone’s burden, we encourage those in L.A. to reach out to us directly
We’ll continue doing everything we can to support the community during this difficult time.”