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All the grifting stars exploiting fans for more cash… and the worst offender is worth $400 million

BBG News

Last month, Gene Simmons stirred up global controversy by boasting about and subsequently defending his action of charging a fan an impressive $12,495 for the opportunity to work as his personal assistant for a day.

The KISS icon, valued at approximately $400 million, faced criticism for his supposedly greedy actions when it became known that he was charging a high fee – yet he is not the sole well-known figure inflating their wealth through fan interactions.

A variety of wealthy celebrities are currently asking fans to pay hefty fees for private interactions with them, or leveraging their influence to encourage supporters to contribute to their chosen charities. A professional within this field offers a sobering caution to those who overstep these boundaries most egregiously.

In March, former Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa, aged 22 and with an estimated net worth of $20 million, offered a “Dream Guest VIP Package” priced above $900. This package included assisting her team in setting up for a concert.

While Alyssa Milano, with an estimated net worth of $4 million, encountered one of the most significant career controversies in 2024 when she requested fans to help raise $10k for her son’s baseball team. This action led to widespread mockery across the internet.

Eric Schiffer, a renowned expert in celebrity brand management who has collaborated with figures such as Whitney Houston, criticized some high-profile individuals for exhibiting ‘shameless’ behavior by using their fans as if they were an automatic teller machine and exploiting their loyalty.

Schiffer shared with the Daily Mail that some celebrities view their fans more like cash machines rather than appreciators – each encounter is a business deal, and every memory carries a cost.

‘The strategy is simple; exploit devotion, monetize access and never look back.

Gene Simmons’ recent plan appears to be a blend of rock music and unscrupulousness – demanding payment from fans to serve as his personal vassals is beyond reproach.

Gene Simmons’ Ultimate Experience seems more like an extreme exploitation of his fans’ dedication, turning it into a regrettable and manipulative strategy. They truly deserve something more meaningful.

As a die-hard KISS fan, I’d leap at the chance to emulate my idols and journey down the roads they’ve trodden. It would be an unparalleled honor for me, as part of the most devoted KISS fanbase out there, to live life on tour with them. Remarkably, a fellow enthusiast who battles Multiple Sclerosis managed to seize this once-in-a-lifetime experience, which only goes to show that the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll knows no bounds!

Siwa’s VIP package mirrors Simon’s Ultimate Experience by giving a fortunate fan an opportunity to assist behind-the-scenes – with the celebrity boasting: “You’ll even join us as we prepare for the show, and you’ll have a chance to help arrange things properly and perhaps try out the drums with me or test the DJ booth together.

Additionally, it offered a special chance for you to observe the soundcheck and participate in the concert from a preferred ‘spectator location of your selection.’

Schiffer commented on Siwa’s stunt, stating, “Siwa’s ‘exclusive’ event is simply a euphemism for ‘pay me to witness your stage setup.’ This serves as a caution that even young celebrities can turn into shrewd businesspeople.

Notable celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone, Beyoncé, Avril Lavigne, and Chris Hemsworth have faced criticism for charging exorbitant prices for meet-and-greets and providing an unsatisfactory fan encounter on the internet.

Celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Beyoncé, Avril Lavigne, and Chris Hemsworth have been criticized online for setting high prices for meet-and-greet sessions and delivering a subpar experience to their fans.

2017’s SupaNova pop culture event left fans in a daze upon Chris Hemsworth’s appearance, as it was revealed that obtaining an autograph from the Thor actor would cost $200, while a photo opportunity was priced at $210.

In 2014, Avril Lavigne faced criticism due to the high price of around $300 she charged for fans to meet and get a photo with her in Brazil. Later, she gained attention online for not wanting to hug or show affection towards her dedicated followers, instead keeping a distance by standing several feet away from them.

Known superstar Beyoncé has faced criticism online due to her well-known ‘no hugging’ policy during her expensive meet-and-greet sessions, with her security personnel always reminding fans of this rule prior to their encounter with her.

Legendary figure Sylvester Stallone, known for his impressive $400 million fortune, unexpectedly set a price of between $750 and $1250 for his 2022 “Experience with Sylvester Stallone” dinner event, where fans could snap a photo with the Rocky icon.

Later on, the whole affair turned into a whirlwind of controversy surrounding the wealthy star’s premature exit because he wasn’t feeling well. As a result, countless Rocky enthusiasts like me were left heartbroken, deprived of the chance to meet him, and had to settle for refunds instead.

Instead, the renowned artist Taylor Swift has earned acclaim by refraining from charging for meet-and-greets, opting instead to select fans randomly for a backstage encounter with her.

Coldplay, a popular British band, feel that the current ticketing system primarily benefits ticket resellers and agents, so instead of using this system, they choose to sell their exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities directly to their fans through an auction process.

Schiffer’s recommendation to celebrities who opt for profit-making encounters was to ensure the interaction remains an exclusive, luxurious experience, rather than demanding physical effort from their fans.

He advised: “Ensure that what you’re providing isn’t simply a money-grab for the masses, but rather a special, exclusive experience that people don’t feel they’ve wasted their money on due to perceived greed.

In the majority of situations, demanding payment to gain access can lead to a long-term loss – people might pay initially, but they won’t easily forget feeling taken advantage of. If your public relations strategy revolves around exploiting your fanbase, then you’ve already lost their trust and credibility.

Charging for access in most cases can result in long-term losses – fans might pay once, but they will remember feeling cheated. If your PR approach is centered on milking the fans, you’ve already squandered your credibility.

A more effective approach than monetizing every interaction with your audience is to consider it thoughtless, potentially leading to irrelevance. Instead, successful celebrities offer access to their fanbase as a token of appreciation and a reward for their loyal supporters. Emulate this model.

Regarding Simmons, Schiffer proposes a definite plan for the musician to restore his reputation among his followers – if he so chooses to do so.

According to Schiffer, if you aim to restore trust, begin by returning what was wrongfully taken and demonstrate that you value your fans not just for their financial contribution but also as individuals with feelings.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but express my ardent suggestion: “I wholeheartedly advocate for Simmons to organize a gratis fan gathering, not as a publicity tactic, but as an authentic demonstration of humility and appreciation. The road to recovery isn’t about showmanship — it’s about substance.

‘Stop treating fans like walking wallets and start treating them like human beings.’

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2025-06-06 19:03

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