Kacie Margis, an influencer and content creator for hire, in a recent social media post, accused Bill Gates’ daughter, Phoebe Gates, of haggling over her $250 job rate.
Taking to Threads, Margis wrote, “When a billionaire’s daughter says the budget is ‘super limited’ and it’s a ‘scrappy little startup’ to try to pay me less than what my posted rates are. (This message was from last year).”
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She also shared a screenshot that purportedly shows a message from Phoebe Gates.
“Hey love! I came across your profile on Collabstr and I'm such a fan of your content. I'm the founder of @phiaco we're launching at the end of this month (!!) and I'd be sooo honored if you'd be down to collab and help share. We built the first-ever price comparison tool that helps you shop smarter by finding cheaper secondhand and discounted options while you browse. We'd love to give you early access and have you be part of this launch moment. We're still a scrappy startup so budget's super limited, but we'd still ng work if you're open. Feel free to send your rates topbia.com and pl hope we can work together!” the message reads.
In posts on the thread, Margis claimed that Gates found her through Collabstr, a free online marketplace that connects brands with influencers for paid collaborations. On the site, the content creator’s charge is mentioned as $250.
{{/usCountry}}In posts on the thread, Margis claimed that Gates found her through Collabstr, a free online marketplace that connects brands with influencers for paid collaborations. On the site, the content creator’s charge is mentioned as $250.
{{/usCountry}}(HT.com has not independently verified the claims.)
How did social media react?
The post prompted a series of responses. An individual expressed, “Phoebe Gates also just flat out steals other startups' ideas, IP, marketing, etc, on top of leveraging creators to work for free. She’s honestly a cancer in the sustainable fashion space.”
Another commented, “I love that you didn’t keep them anonymous because we need to bring back shame.” A third posted, “NSANE that she didn’t want to pay you $250. We are done letting these billionaire grifting a**holes off the hook. Proud of you for calling her out.” Margis responded, “Seriously! Ugh. Meanwhile, other brands that found me on Collabstr want to book me directly so I can make MORE money, not less. Just an example of how the rich get richer by undercutting the rest of us.”
A fourth wrote, “We had someone reach out to us for free printing because the 'small' event they were doing had ‘influential attendees’ like the wives of NFL athletes. Athletes who earn millions per year. It was for $200-$300 worth of items. I told them no and that they can pay like everyone else?”