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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What Happened To Belle Delphine?

Born on October 23, 1999, Mary-Belle Kirschner, better known as Belle Delphine, grew up in South Africa before moving to the UK at the age of 9.

Belle’s entry into the digital world began with her posting fashion and makeup photos on Facebook, a foreshadowing of the internet persona she would later adopt.

If you like these rise and fall articles why not check out Eugenia Cooney, Miranda Sings, Onision, Smosh, and more.

The Rise

Belle Delphine’s ascent can be credited to her savvy understanding of internet culture and her unique brand of online content creation. By 2018, Belle had amassed a significant following on Instagram, primarily for her “ahegao” expressions, a facial expression popular in Japanese anime.

Here’s a snapshot of her growth on Instagram:

Year Instagram Followers (millions)
2016 0.2
2017 0.5
2018 1.2

Belle’s content often straddled the line between cheeky and controversial.

One of her most notable moments was when she tricked her followers into thinking she would create content on an adult site if her post received one million likes (which it did), only to upload innocent, non-explicit videos.

It was such antics that drew attention and criticism in equal measures.

The Peak of Controversy

In July 2019, Belle Delphine courted significant controversy by introducing “GamerGirl Bath Water,” a product she claimed was her used bath water. Each jar was priced at $30, a high price that nonetheless didn’t dissuade her ardent fans. The product description cheekily read, “Bottled while I’m playing in the bath. This really is bath water.”

The move was met with amusement, disdain, and incredulity from different quarters. Yet, it was a demonstration of the strength and loyalty of her fanbase that the bath water sold out in just three days after the announcement.

While Belle Delphine did not officially disclose the total number of jars sold or the revenues made from this venture, we can make a rough estimation.

If we assume she had a limited stock of 500 jars, she would have made approximately $15,000 in just a few days from this stunt alone.

Product Price Estimated Quantity Sold Estimated Revenue
GamerGirl Bath Water $30 500 (estimation) $15,000

The incident attracted widespread media attention, even reaching mainstream news outlets. Many commentators criticized her for exploiting impressionable fans and encouraging unhealthy idolization behaviors.

The event also attracted the attention of social platforms that host her content, leading to increased scrutiny and moderation of her activities.

This event, while profitable and successful in garnering attention, also started a chain of events that led to Belle’s eventual removal from Instagram later in 2019.

Instagram’s community guidelines prohibit “content that… exploits people,” which Belle’s bathwater stunt was arguably close to breaching.

In simpler terms, Belle did something very unusual and somewhat silly. She sold her bath water and people actually bought it. However, while she made a lot of money from it, it also made some people very upset. These people reported her, and eventually, her Instagram account, which she used to talk to her fans, was closed.

This incident serves as an important lesson in understanding the balance between creating engaging content and respecting community guidelines on various platforms.

Year Notable Controversy
2019 Selling “GamerGirl Bath Water”

The Downfall

In late 2019, Belle’s Instagram account, which had amassed over 4 million followers, was reported for nudity or pornography and was taken down. This event marked the beginning of a decline in her public presence, as her primary platform for interaction and monetization had been removed.

Year Instagram Account Status
2019 Deleted

The Comeback and Ongoing Controversy

After Belle’s Instagram account was deleted in 2019, she largely stayed out of the public eye for the better part of 2020, marking a quiet period in her career.

However, in June of that year, she surprised her followers by announcing on Twitter that she was joining OnlyFans, an online platform known for its adult content.

OnlyFans, a subscription-based service, allowed creators to earn money directly from their fans on a monthly basis. Creators often offered a range of content, from personal updates to more explicit adult content.

Belle’s decision to join OnlyFans marked a significant pivot from her earlier content, which, while often risqué and suggestive, had primarily been shared on more mainstream platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

The response to Belle’s OnlyFans announcement was mixed. Some fans welcomed her return to the digital world, subscribing to her OnlyFans content and supporting her new direction. However, others were critical of the move, expressing discomfort with the more explicit content and the subscription fee associated with viewing it.

Belle’s decision was profitable. She quickly became one of the top creators on OnlyFans, earning thousands of dollars per month, though specific earnings are not publicly available.

Then, in December 2020, Belle faced another setback. YouTube terminated her channel, which had over 1.79 million subscribers, for violating its sexual content policies. Belle’s YouTube content had primarily been non-explicit, often featuring her engaging in various activities and stunts. But her recent shift to more explicit content on OnlyFans seemed to have crossed the line for YouTube’s policy enforcement.

However, the termination was not permanent. Following a widespread outcry from her fans, including a petition that garnered thousands of signatures, YouTube reinstated her channel. The incident, however, highlighted the fine line content creators like Belle tread in balancing edgy, attention-grabbing content with adherence to platform policies.

So, in simpler terms, Belle returned to the internet after a long break and started making more adult content on a new site, OnlyFans. While some people were happy about her return, others were not so comfortable with her new content.

Then, her YouTube channel was closed because YouTube thought she broke some rules. But after her fans complained a lot, YouTube opened her channel again. Belle’s story during this period shows that what someone posts online can get them in trouble, but it can also make them lots of money if done correctly.

What Happened To Belle Delphine?

The Lesson

The story of Belle Delphine is a whirlwind of controversy, internet culture, and digital entrepreneurship. She is a testament to the power and volatility of internet fame, illustrating both its potential for success and the risks of controversy.

To put it in simple terms, imagine you become really famous at school for doing funny, silly, and sometimes controversial things. Some kids find it entertaining, but the teachers (like Instagram and YouTube) don’t approve and punish you for it. But you’re smart, you find other ways to entertain and continue to be famous, even though you sometimes get in trouble. That’s kind of what happened to Belle Delphine.

In the end, Belle’s story shows us that navigating the digital world requires not just creativity, but also a strong understanding of platform rules, audience desires, and the potential implications of controversial actions.

If you like these rise and fall articles why not check out Eugenia Cooney, Miranda Sings, Onision, Smosh, and more.

Categories
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What Happened To David Dobrik?

David Dobrik, born on July 23, 1996, in Košice, Slovakia, began his journey to internet stardom on the now-defunct platform, Vine. He later transitioned to YouTube, where his quick-paced, humorous, and star-studded vlogs quickly garnered a massive audience. Forming the ‘Vlog Squad,’ a group of friends who regularly appeared in his videos, Dobrik crafted a unique blend of comedy, pranks, and feel-good content that resonated with millions.

The Rise Of David Dobrik

Dobrik’s rise was rapid. His signature vlogs, precisely four minutes and twenty seconds long, were hugely popular. By blending elements of reality TV, talk shows, and prank culture, Dobrik created a unique brand that appealed to a wide audience.

His charisma and seemingly carefree lifestyle were a hit with fans, and by 2020, he had amassed over 18 million subscribers.

David Dobrik’s YouTube Statistics

Year Subscriber Count Total Views
2015 1 Million 100 Million
2016 4 Million 500 Million
2017 6 Million 1 Billion
2018 10 Million 2.5 Billion
2019 14 Million 4 Billion
2020 18 Million 6 Billion
2021 18.5 Million 7.5 Billion
2023 19 Million 8 Billion

The Fall Of David Dobrik

However, in March 2021, the seemingly unassailable empire that Dobrik had built began to crumble. Allegations of misconduct were brought against him and members of the Vlog Squad. The serious accusations came from several individuals and involved claims of endangerment, non-consensual acts, and facilitating inappropriate behavior during the filming of his vlogs.

One notable incident involved former Vlog Squad member Seth Francois, who claimed he was tricked into participating in a non-consensual act during a prank for one of Dobrik’s vlogs. A second, more severe allegation was made by a woman, identified as “Hannah,” who told Insider that in 2018, she was sexually assaulted by Vlog Squad member Durte Dom during a night they were filming a video for Dobrik’s channel.

The public reaction to these allegations was swift and fierce. Many fans expressed their disappointment and anger, leading to a wave of public backlash. The controversy put Dobrik’s sponsors and business partnerships in a difficult position, forcing them to reevaluate their associations with the YouTuber.

Several major sponsors, including DoorDash, HelloFresh, and EA Sports, decided to sever ties with Dobrik in response to the allegations. Additionally, Dispo, a photo-sharing app that Dobrik had co-founded and served on the board of, faced potential fallout from the controversy. The escalating situation led to Dobrik stepping down from the Dispo board in an effort to distance the fledgling app from the scandal.

Facing mounting pressure and criticism, Dobrik eventually addressed the situation via social media. He released two apology videos, acknowledging the allegations and expressing regret for his past behavior. Despite these apologies, the severity of the accusations and the public’s response led Dobrik to take a hiatus from social media to reflect and reassess his actions.

After the Storm

As of 2023, Dobrik has resumed posting videos, but the landscape of his digital world has significantly changed. Many former fans remain disillusioned, and the Vlog Squad’s future is uncertain.

However, Dobrik’s story is far from over. His journey serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of internet fame and the importance of accountability, particularly for those with substantial influence.

Lessons Learned

The rise and fall of David Dobrik underscore the volatility and power of internet fame. His story is not just about the individual repercussions of controversies but also a broader discourse on the culture of influencers and online entertainment.

It presents a crucial lesson on the responsibility influencers hold and the potential impact of their actions on their audience and society at large.

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