Binky Felstead, known for her role in Made in Chelsea, has been embroiled in controversy over her requests for complimentary services during her home renovation and wedding planning.

Home Renovation & 'Gifted' Items

Felstead purchased a five-bedroom Victorian property in Barnes, London, in November 2024 for £3.6 million. Extensive renovations involved securing numerous items and services through ‘gifting’ arrangements, in exchange for promotion on her Instagram account.

Requests for Complimentary Services

These requests included carpets, rugs, interior decorations, and even a sauna. She also asked for a £350 birthday cake for her son and a fully complimentary nine-tier wedding cake from small business owners.

Public Backlash & PR Crisis

The situation escalated when Reshmi Bennett, owner of Agnes de Sucre, publicly revealed Binky’s request for a free cake in exchange for Instagram exposure. This prompted other business owners to share similar experiences.

Businesses reported promises of exposure in Hello! magazine and on Felstead’s social media, which were allegedly not fulfilled, leaving them unpaid and feeling exploited. One particularly notable case involved a five-year period of silence regarding payment for her wedding cake.

Payment & Apology

Binky Felstead eventually paid the baker after her PR team intervened to address the growing negative publicity. She defended her actions, stating that gifting is common practice in the influencer industry.

Emotional Toll & Wider Debate

Felstead acknowledged fault in the case of Funfetti London, admitting she did not deliver on promised social media promotion. She reported receiving death threats and experiencing an overwhelming amount of personal abuse.

The incident has ignited a broader discussion about the ethics of influencer marketing and the power dynamics between influencers and small businesses. Her PR team is currently working on damage control.

The Daily Mail reported that gifted items represent only a small portion of the benefits Felstead receives annually in exchange for advertising on her Instagram, which has 1.4 million followers.