Afnan Al Batel, a prominent Saudi social media celebrity has come under fire for flaunting her wealth on social media.
Earlier this week, a now-viral hashtag, which accuses Al Batel of showing off her possessions was launched on Twitter to call on people to block the star on social media platforms.
Many are also criticizing Al Batel for encouraging people to buy “overpriced” products. by constantly posting adverts.
It sparked a heated debate among users, many of whom deemed the behaviour of rich and famous Arab social media influencers “destructive to youth” and “unacceptable.”
Users were angered by her showing off her wealth;
https://twitter.com/MehmasMod/status/951024482818371587
“She’s showing off that she bought clothes for over a million riyals!!”
Many dubbed her as a”negative influence” on society;
https://twitter.com/jooori94/status/950932159107395584
“One of Al Batel’s negative effects on society.”
https://twitter.com/abmohgha/status/951075470333837313
“Boys and girls complain about their realities and hate the lives they have because they’ve come to believe that life is all about luxurious outings, first-class travel, and brands.”
https://twitter.com/No0f73277677/status/951075931279495170
Many also criticized the adverts the star kept posting about;
https://twitter.com/mi__amal/status/950869083280629761
“I bet you that they’ve never tried any of the products they advertised”
https://twitter.com/Miraz__/status/951063549325070336
Some talked about who had given them their fame and power;
https://twitter.com/Faisalbinfahad4/status/951015327986540544
“You’re the ones who made them famous, you’re also the ones who can shut them down. It’s all up to you.”
However, not all the Tweets were against Al Batel, with some even defending her.
https://twitter.com/studenthelper91/status/950991968775163905
“It’s her account and her daily life, she’s free to post anything she wants on there. People who are worried over their children viewing things like this should simply not download social media apps.”
https://twitter.com/9Rreemm/status/951047284824985602
“It’s right that she is opulent but you have nothing to do with her. It’s her money and she’s free to spend it the way she wants to. It’s unacceptable to defame her this way.”