Cardi B experienced a significant drop in Instagram followers following her appearance at the controversial Balenciaga Fall 2024 show. The Los Angeles event, held on December 2, drew attention not only for its star-studded guest list, including celebrities like Ashley Graham, Kim Kardashian, and Nicole Kidman but also for its association with the scandal-ridden fashion brand.
Cardi B, a Grammy-winner, made her runway debut at the Balenciaga Fall 2024 show, donning a striking blue faux fur coat. Despite her enthusiasm and appreciation for the experience expressed on Instagram, fans didn’t share the same excitement about her collaboration with Balenciaga.
Replay Poker reported that Cardi B lost over 130,000 Instagram followers just one day after her appearance at the show. While this number may seem relatively small compared to her massive follower count of 169 million, it marked one of her most significant losses on the platform. Cardi B is not alone in facing a follower backlash; fellow celebrities Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner also experienced substantial drops in followers after their involvement with the Balenciaga Fall 2024 show.
The negative response from fans suggests a widespread discontent with celebrities aligning themselves with Balenciaga, either through direct partnerships or mere attendance at the brand’s events. This backlash may stem from the brand’s controversial choices in campaigns and creative decisions over the past decade.
Balenciaga faced criticism for ad campaigns featuring child models holding handbags with bondage-inspired designs, as well as another campaign that appeared to include documents related to child pornography laws. Both campaigns ignited public outcry, prompting the brand to issue public apologies and remove the controversial content from all platforms.
The recent follower losses experienced by Cardi B and others following the Balenciaga Fall 2024 show highlight the brand’s polarizing nature, reflecting a public sentiment that questions the ethical considerations of associating with a fashion label known for its controversial campaigns.