If the best things in life are free, then these stars have almost certainly hit the jackpot.
Even though wealthy and famous people appear to have plenty of money for luxury vacations and expensive items, surprisingly, some of them actually ask for things for free instead of buying them.
It seems like people are getting tired of wealthy influencers constantly asking for free vacations, beauty products, and meals.
People often criticize them online for sharing photos from promotional events where they receive free gifts, asking for expensive items, or talking about their financial problems.
The Daily Mail has revealed which celebrities and online personalities are seen as taking advantage of the system – from those openly advertising products for money to successful creators asking for free event passes, like to Coachella.
Teresa Giudice
Teresa Giudice, known from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, is willing to go to great lengths for attention, famously demonstrated by her dramatic table-flipping incident on TV.
I was shocked to read in the Daily Mail that, according to a source, Sharon is really desperate for money right now. They said she’s grabbing at anything she can get her hands on, and it’s just sad to see.
In recent months, she’s partnered with several brands, like Bloom Nutrition and the beauty subscription box Ipsy, sharing her focus on skincare and makeup – as highlighted in a sponsored post.
According to a source, the reality star is currently making public appearances and attending events because she and her husband are facing financial difficulties. Reports indicate they were hit with over $3 million in tax liens in New Jersey in March 2025.
Another source confirmed she’s clearly struggling financially and believes she craves attention to remain in the public eye.
According to a source, she’ll pursue any financial opportunity that comes her way. They added that she consistently tries to negotiate for even better terms, even after an offer is already on the table.
Vanessa Hudgens
Okay, seriously, Vanessa Hudgens is everywhere online, and I live for it! She’s constantly showing off stuff she loves – or, you know, is paid to promote, like this amazing hair curler I need or Alltroo, which is this cool fundraising thing celebrities are getting behind. And honestly, it’s not just ads! She created Caliwater, so my feed is constantly flooded with her drinking it, and I’m not complaining! It’s just… Vanessa being Vanessa, and I’m here for all of it. I’m obsessed, okay?
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve noticed a bit of a backlash lately regarding some of the partnerships celebrities choose. For example, Vanessa Hudgens has previously collaborated with brands like Fabletics, American Express, and even BetMGM Casino, and her fans weren’t thrilled about the casino deal. I saw a lot of discussion online, particularly on Reddit, where people expressed feeling uneasy about celebrities promoting gambling, especially given the current economic climate. The general sentiment was that it feels out of touch to promote something that preys on financial vulnerability, and honestly, I get that. It’s a reminder that influence comes with responsibility, and fans are increasingly aware of that.
Brandon Edelman
Okay, so this is a bit of a head-scratcher. As someone who keeps a close eye on the creator economy, I was surprised to see Bran Flakezz – you probably know him as a pretty popular influencer – posting on TikTok about not getting into Coachella for free. And this is despite reports that he’s made over $700,000! It just highlights how even with financial success, access and perks aren’t always guaranteed, and sometimes, creators are right there with us, wishing for a little VIP treatment.
In a TikTok video posted to his 1.4 million followers, the 29-year-old expressed uncertainty about attending Coachella in California this month, explaining he hadn’t received any sponsorships. His comments quickly drew criticism, with many pointing out that he could likely afford to go on his own.
Edelman was fortunate to receive a last-minute invitation from Starbucks, but some fans criticized him for partnering with the company while others were calling for a boycott.
In his TikTok response, he said that ‘this brand has never been boycotted by me.’
The influencer from Philadelphia did apologize for his remarks about needing a ticket, admitting he was completely out of touch and that there was no excuse for what he said.
Priyanka Chopra
The 43-year-old Bollywood star is well-known for her elaborate wedding to Nick Jonas in December 2018. She fully leaned into her fame by collaborating with brands like Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co. for the three-day celebration.
Priyanka Chopra now frequently partners with brands for sponsored content, posting ads for companies like Bentley, Max Factor, and Bvlgari to her large social media following of 94.5 million.
But the list does not end there. She has previously partnered with Bumble and Victoria’s Secret.
Considering her estimated wealth of $80 million, it’s safe to say Chopra doesn’t need gifts like free Bentleys or other expensive items.
Tana Mongeau
Tana Mongeau, 27, first gained popularity on YouTube with her detailed and often dramatic story time videos, and has been a source of discussion ever since.
But it was her quest for her fans hard-earned dollars that truly drew attention.
In June 2018, she organized an event called TanaCon, which, like the Fyre Festival, was plagued by serious planning issues. Although she did eventually offer refunds, attendees had to file claims and weren’t reimbursed for their travel costs.
Like many social media personalities looking for sponsorships, Tana Mongeau has collaborated with brands like Bloom Nutrition, Tarte Cosmetics, Fashion Nova, and DraftKings.
In 2019, Tana Mongeau even announced an engagement to Jake Paul, another popular YouTuber, and broadcast their wedding ceremony live from Las Vegas. Despite claiming it wasn’t for promotion, viewers had to pay $50 to watch the non-legal ceremony online.
Eva Longoria
Whether sharing glimpses of her private life or photos from red carpet events, the Desperate Housewives actress consistently includes brand mentions or promotions in her posts.
Her partnerships vary quite a bit. Some, like those with Bissell Clean or Lenovo, aren’t particularly glamorous. But she also takes on prestigious roles, such as her long-standing position as a global brand ambassador for L’Oréal, which she’s held since 2005.
The 51-year-old recently starred on Celebrity IOU, where she helped renovate her close friend’s home with HGTV. However, considering her estimated $80 million fortune, she easily could have covered the costs herself.
Her husband, José Bastón, is a successful Mexican businessman with an estimated net worth of $25 million. He’s the president of Televisa, the world’s largest Spanish-language media company, which further contributes to her already considerable wealth.
She enjoys showcasing sponsored content online, but also lives a very lavish lifestyle. She holds her glamorous Global Gift Gala at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, a location she often highlights on Instagram, where rooms cost at least $2,000 per night.
Kim Zolciak
Kim Zolciak, who used to be on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, is also being criticized for seemingly being too quick to ask for money.
‘Her divorce proceedings screamed “thirsty,”‘ one insider told us.
Kim Zolciak, 47, has a large following on Instagram with over 3.2 million followers, but her page features many sponsored advertisements. She’s promoted a wide range of products, including FabFitFun boxes and 310 Nutrition weight loss shakes. One particularly debated promotion was for Sparkling Protein seltzer, a drink marketed to reduce cravings by naturally increasing GLP-1 levels.
Kim faced criticism for promoting casinos after reports surfaced that she had lost a $1.5 million fortune through gambling. Her ex-husband, Kroy Biermann, a former NFL player, told police in 2023 that Kim struggled with compulsive behavior and had lost an estimated $1.5 million gambling.
Mikayla Nogueira
The 27-year-old beauty influencer first gained popularity while working at Ulta in Massachusetts, and she’s now famous for her “get ready with me” videos.
In January 2023, she became the focus of online controversy – dubbed “Mascara-gate” – when people accused her of wearing fake eyelashes in a promotional video for L’Oréal Telescopic Lift Mascara. She immediately responded to the claims in the comments, stating that L’Oréal would never approve of such a thing in a sponsored post.
Nogueira, with over 17 million TikTok followers, is now being called the ‘most dishonest beauty influencer.’
Her fans were upset when Elf Cosmetics sponsored her wedding, questioning why she didn’t cover the costs herself, given the event’s lavishness. She is now divorced.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by how creators build relationships with brands! This Boston-based creator has taken things to the next level – she’s received so many complimentary beauty products through her partnerships with amazing brands like Rare Beauty, Benefit Cosmetics, and Kosas, that she’s actually created a dedicated ‘dream beauty room’ just to store everything. It’s a testament to successful collaborations and a beauty lover’s paradise!
Dixie D’Amelio
Originally from Connecticut, 24-year-old Dixie D’Amelio first became well-known as the sister of TikTok star Charli D’Amelio, but she struggled to establish her own unique identity online.
Although she released the single “Be Happy” and attempted a music career, it didn’t gain traction. Now, she primarily earns income through frequent sponsored content on social media.
She recently appeared at Coachella with Crocs, even sporting a sparkly pair! Almost all of her social media posts are sponsored content, marked with ‘#ad,’ as she promotes brands like Revolve and Coffeemate.
Kim and Kourtney Kardashian
Even the biggest A-listers can be guilty of overdoing it.
Kim Kardashian, 45, is well-known for enjoying luxurious gifts and perks. She famously stated at a 2018 event that one of the best parts of being famous is receiving ‘free stuff.’ The founder of Skims, who has promoted products like Sugarbear hair gummies and Skechers shoes, specifically mentioned enjoying ‘free trips, planes, and everything else.’
The Kardashian star explained that she enjoys sharing gifts she receives with her friends and family.
Kim Kardashian and her sisters have often been seen accepting gifts and promoting products. However, Kourtney, age 47, received especially harsh criticism when her wedding to Travis Barker was sponsored by the fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana, which has faced controversy in the past.
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2026-04-20 15:08