In the world of online influencers, where personalities turn their hobbies into lucrative businesses, the introduction of branded merchandise is nothing new. Recently, popular streamer Pokimane joined the ranks of content creators with her own line of cookies, the Myna cookies, boasting the added benefit of vitamin D. However, what should have been a sweet launch turned into a bitter controversy when a viewer questioned the hefty price tag of $28 for four bags of miniature cookies.
On a November 18 stream, a viewer expressed concern about the seemingly exorbitant price of the cookies, prompting a response from Pokimane that fueled the drama. "When people are like 'oh my god $28 for cookies,' it’s four bags. That’s $7 per bag. I know, I know, math is hard when you’re an idiot. But, if you’re a broke boy just say so," she retorted, igniting a backlash from her fanbase and beyond.
The incident raised eyebrows, especially considering Pokimane's brand revolves around relatability and a non-toxic persona, traits valued in a space often filled with less savory personalities. Calling a viewer an "idiot" and a "broke boy" seemed out of character for the influencer, and the online community quickly took notice.
The fallout was swift and relentless, prompting Pokimane to issue an apology on November 19. "While what I said was 100% intended to be a joke, I see why it came off as insensitive and I apologize for that," she tweeted, acknowledging the potential financial strain the cookies may pose for some buyers. "I also understand the current price of the cookies may be expensive for some, and promise we’ll continue to consider pricing to keep Myna as affordable as possible."
Yet, in the world of influencers, controversies rarely stay confined to the initial incident. The cookie controversy became a battleground for those both criticizing and defending Pokimane. Some pointed out that the product was essentially a rebranding of an existing cookie brand, a common practice among influencers. On the other side, supporters argued that, regardless of the joke's impact, the cookies are just merchandise, and consumers have the choice not to buy them.
The drama expanded further as other influencers weighed in. Nadia, a fellow streamer and influencer, came to Pokimane's defense, attributing the criticism to online sexism. "When a girl sells cookies that’s when y’all wanna speak out?" she wrote, highlighting the disproportionate negativity female creators often face.
Enter xQC, a Canadian influencer, who added a humorous twist to the debate by suggesting that the hate towards women was responsible for the cookies' high price tag.
In the grand scheme of internet drama, the cookie controversy may soon be forgotten, but it serves as a reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly controversies can arise in the world of online influencers. As the debate over branded cookies continues to unfold, one thing is certain: Pokimane will likely think twice before setting the price of her cookies in the future. After all, in the world of online content creation, even a seemingly small matter like cookies can become a spectacle that captivates the internet's attention.
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