Made in Chelsea star Binky Felstead is facing a backlash after a luxury bakery owner publicly called her out for requesting a free birthday cake in exchange for social media promotion. Reshmi Bennett, owner of the bakery, shared screenshots allegedly from Binky's PA asking for a complimentary cake for her youngest son, Wilder, in return for an Instagram story. Bennett mocked the request, stating that her energy supplier 'insists on being paid in actual money, rather than exposure or engagement.'
Social media users have joined the outcry, with one writing, 'Pay for the cake… you can afford it.' Another claimed it was 'insane' that wealthy influencers receive so many freebies, while a third labelled them 'greedy.' However, some defended Binky, arguing that the influencer industry operates on such exchanges and that many businesses willingly offer free gifts for exposure.
Additional claims have emerged, including requests for free wedding invites and stationery from illustrator Alice Peto in 2022, and complimentary cakes from Funfetti London in 2021. Upholsterer Daisy Whitehead Designs also shared an email from Binky's interior designer in 2023, asking for free blinds for her children's rooms. Daisy wrote, 'I said no. Honestly drives me mad when wealthy influencers try to get everything for free.'
Sources close to Binky say she is 'terrified of being cancelled' and feels 'distraught' and 'unfairly targeted.' An insider stated, 'All the celebrities with a big social media following get freebies – she doesn’t understand why she’s the one in the firing line.' The source added that Binky's team is advising her to take ownership of the requests and consider image rehabilitation, including paying for items or at least offering to do so. She has been advised against accepting any gifts that require social media posts for now.
