Model and influencer Haley “Baylee” Kalil has issued an apology after facing backlash for posting a video of herself lip-syncing to the alleged Marie Antoinette quote “let them eat cake” shortly after the Met Gala. The video, which has garnered over 21.6 million views and 3.6 million likes on TikTok, was criticized by users who accused Kalil of insensitivity, especially since pro-Palestinian protestors were outside the event. Despite the backlash, Kalil clarified that she did not attend the Met Gala but was only a pre-event host for E! News, conducting interviews and creating content outside a designated hotel. She also revealed that a designer friend had made her dress for free.
However, Kalil’s apology was met with further criticism as users expressed dissatisfaction with her explanation and accused her of being out of touch with global events, particularly the situation in Gaza. The video led to an online movement called the “celebrity blockout” or the “digital guillotine,” initiated by TikTok user Blockout2024. This movement encourages people to block celebrities, including those who attended the Met Gala, on social media platforms to reduce their ad revenue. By blocking these celebrities, users aim to decrease their engagement, thus impacting their earnings from ads shown on platforms like Instagram. Kalil has been added to multiple block lists, with one video criticizing her for using her platform insensitively while people are suffering.
Kalil, known for her work as a model and influencer, has a sizable following on TikTok and Instagram, with over 10 million and five million followers respectively. She gained recognition for winning Sports Illustrated’s 2018 Swimsuit Search open call and has been nominated for a Streamy award. The controversy surrounding her recent TikTok video has sparked discussions about the impact of online movements like the “celebrity blockout” on influencers’ ad revenue. While it is unclear how effective this movement will be in reducing celebrities’ earnings, it has garnered significant attention and participation from social media users.
The infamous quote attributed to Marie Antoinette, “let them eat cake,” has long been associated with elitism and insensitivity towards the suffering of the lower classes. Despite historical debates surrounding the authenticity of the quote and its context during the French Revolution, it continues to evoke strong reactions when referenced today. Kalil’s choice to use this quote in her video, even unintentionally, touched a nerve with many viewers, leading to widespread criticism and calls for accountability. As the online discourse around Kalil’s actions continues, it remains to be seen how she will address the fallout from this incident and move forward in her career as a public figure.
In the era of social media activism and online accountability, public figures like Kalil face heightened scrutiny and pressure to engage responsibly with global issues. The intersection of celebrity culture, social media, and political awareness has created a complex landscape where actions and statements can quickly spark controversy and backlash. As internet users become more vocal and organized in holding influencers and celebrities accountable for their behavior, the implications of such movements on the digital economy and public discourse will continue to evolve. Kalil’s experience serves as a reminder of the power and pitfalls of online platforms in shaping public perception and influencing cultural conversations.
