Bethenny Frankel Credits Nou Shoes After 1 Day of Backlash Over Linked $375 Dupe
Updated
Updated · Us Weekly · May 16
Bethenny Frankel Credits Nou Shoes After 1 Day of Backlash Over Linked $375 Dupe
3 articles · Updated · Us Weekly · May 16
Bethenny Frankel responded on May 15 with an Instagram “Outfit of the Day” video, saying her shoes were from Nou after criticism that she had not credited the gifted pair.
The backlash flared when Frankel, 55, praised her outfit on Instagram Stories and, after a follower asked about the pumps, pointed users to a similar Bloomingdale’s pair priced at $375.
Lexi Ioannou, 30, founder of Nou, said she had sent Frankel the shoes nearly a year ago and accused her of wearing them repeatedly without tagging the brand while using an affiliate link for a dupe.
Dina Manzo, 54, amplified the complaint, calling it odd to promote a substitute instead of a young entrepreneur’s gifted product, before Frankel added, “I always give credit where credit is due.”
How can small brands survive when celebrity influencers turn gifts into competitor promotions?
Is promoting a 'dupe' over a gifted original a savvy consumer tip or a major ethical breach?
As FTC fines for influencers surpass $53,000, who now holds more risk: the creator or the brand?