Influencer Binky Felstead Faces Backlash Over Alleged Free Cake Requests
Binky Felstead, the reality TV star known for her role on E4's Made in Chelsea, is embroiled in a controversy after multiple bakeries accused her of "ghosting" them following requests for free cakes. The 35-year-old influencer, who boasts 1.4 million Instagram followers, allegedly sought complimentary bespoke cakes for personal events, offering only social media exposure as payment.
Baker Reshmi Bennett's Claims
Reshmi Bennett, 42, owner of the luxury London-based cake business Anges de Sucre, took to Instagram to share screenshots of exchanges with Felstead's team. According to Bennett, Felstead's personal assistant requested a "yellow train cake" for her son Wilder's third birthday, with a tight deadline. When Bennett asked for a budget, the team responded by proposing a collaboration where the cake would be gifted in exchange for an Instagram Story.
Bennett expressed frustration, stating she was "hopping mad" and ready to "go nuclear." She emphasized that influencers often have a poor reputation for not paying, citing past incidents like the Catherine Tyldesley saga. Bennett noted that a cake of this nature, serving 10 people with detailed decorations, would typically cost £300-350, including delivery. She vowed to be Felstead's "biggest cheerleader" if she paid in full, but after a brief response from Felstead's team promising further discussion, Bennett heard nothing more.
Additional Allegations from Funfetti London
The controversy deepened when the owner of Funfetti London came forward, alleging that Felstead requested a free wedding cake and birthday cake in 2021. The baker claimed Felstead reached out via Instagram, praising her cakes and discussing designs for both events. Suspecting a request for a freebie, the baker asked for just £75 to cover transportation costs.
Felstead allegedly replied that she usually charges £2,000 for an Instagram Story and £5,000 for a grid post, implying the exposure was valuable. She also mentioned potential coverage in Hello! Magazine. The baker took an unpaid day off work to prepare the cakes at Felstead's home but was later ghosted, despite follow-ups. An invoice was requested but never paid, leading the baker to declare, "Exposure doesn't pay bills. Ever."
Public Reaction and Financial Context
Felstead, estimated to be worth £2-3 million from brand collaborations, book deals, and other ventures, has not publicly addressed the allegations. Her social media posts, including recent family trip photos to New York, have been flooded with comments criticizing her actions. Users called her a "cheapskate" and questioned why she couldn't afford to pay for cakes given her wealth.
Despite the feud, Bennett remains open to working with Felstead, urging her to "just pay for a cake and make this all go away." The incident highlights ongoing tensions between influencers and small businesses over the value of social media exposure versus monetary compensation.
Broader Implications for the Influencer Industry
This saga underscores a wider issue in the influencer economy, where small businesses often face pressure to provide free products or services in exchange for promotion. Bennett's decision to go public reflects a growing pushback against such practices, aiming to hold wealthy influencers accountable. As the story gains traction, it serves as a cautionary tale about the ethics of influencer marketing and the importance of fair compensation for creative work.
