Poshfluencer Lydia Millen Faces Backlash Over Alleged Blocking of Rural Critics
Lydia Millen, the British lifestyle influencer who has cultivated a polished online persona as one of the internet's classiest 'poshfluencers', finds herself embroiled in controversy after accusations of silencing critics on social media. The 37-year-old star, who has built a lucrative brand around a rustic aesthetic from her £2 million Cotswolds home, has been accused of blocking a prominent horse influencer who labelled her content as unrealistic 'countryside cosplay'.
The Accusation from Bunkers Hill Farm Horses
Horse trainer Bex Foster, who runs the successful social media account Bunkers Hill Farm Horses with 133,000 TikTok followers, claims Millen blocked her after Foster criticised the influencer's polished rural content as being 'out of touch' with reality. Foster took to the Basingstoke Horses Facebook page to share her experience, writing: 'So, I've been blocked by Lydia Millen. Interesting. Not exactly shocking, given I once made a video about countryside influencers and - let's say - it wasn't a glowing tribute.'
Foster elaborated on her criticism, suggesting Millen's content represents a sanitised version of rural life aimed at urban audiences rather than actual country dwellers. 'Because let's be honest, Lydia Millen and her ilk were never really for actual country folk,' she wrote. 'The only time most rural people see creators like that is when someone's sharing a video to have a laugh.'
Countryside Cosplay Versus Rural Reality
The horse trainer painted a vivid contrast between Millen's aesthetic and the practical realities of countryside living. 'You know, the kind of laugh you do when someone is swanning around muddy fields in January wearing cream trousers and suede boots, as if that's remotely compatible with livestock, weather, or reality,' Foster commented.
She argued that such content targets town dwellers who romanticise rural life rather than those who actually live and work in the countryside. 'That content isn't aimed at people who live and work in the countryside. It's aimed at town dwellers who like the idea of the countryside,' Foster explained. 'The ones who think a rural Sunday is a cute pub walk followed by a roast by the fire, not getting up before 6am in the pitch dark to feed animals wearing three jumpers and a head torch.'
Foster concluded with a pointed assessment: 'It's not countryside living. It's countryside cosplay for the wealthy.' She noted how platforms like Instagram have facilitated this curated version of rural life, describing it as 'aspirational, untouchable, and highly monetisable'.
A Pattern of Blocking Behaviour
This incident appears to be part of a broader pattern for Millen. Back in December, it was revealed that the influencer had been systematically blocking creators with what was described as 'working-class energy' from viewing her TikTok content. Foster isn't the only content creator to make such claims, with at least three others reportedly experiencing similar blocking in recent months.
Despite these controversies, Millen has developed an impressive social media presence boasting four million followers, which has translated into mainstream recognition. Her success has landed her the cover of Country Homes magazine, a profile in Harper's Bazaar, and even an introduction to King Charles at Highgrove during a 2024 Christmas event.
Previous Controversies Surrounding the Influencer
This blocking controversy isn't Millen's first brush with negative attention. In 2023, she faced significant backlash after using what was widely condemned as an 'ignorant' slur for disabled people while discussing her inexperience publishing her first book. Millen referred to herself using a term that many found offensive, though she later defended herself by claiming she had used the word 'in regards to a mongrel mixed breed dog' while referring to her own 'scruffy appearance'.
Many followers didn't accept this explanation and urged her to take accountability for her 'ignorance'. The video was subsequently edited to remove the offensive language.
Another incident occurred in 2022 when Millen was criticised for what some called 'tone-deaf' behaviour during the cost of living crisis. After complaining about broken heating in her Buckinghamshire home, she shared a video showing herself checking into London's exclusive Savoy Hotel, where rooms can cost up to £1,000 per night. In the clip, which amassed over one million views, Millen was seen selecting a £2,000 outfit while explaining she was making the trip to 'make full use of their wonderful hot water'.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Lydia Millen for comment regarding the latest blocking allegations. As the debate between authentic rural representation and aspirational countryside aesthetics continues online, this controversy highlights the growing tensions between different perspectives on what constitutes genuine countryside content in the age of social media influence.
