Reality TV star Draya Michele faced a wave of criticism after posting a promotional message for air purifiers on Instagram amidst the ongoing California wildfires.
Draya Michele’s recent Instagram post promoting an air purifier amid the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires has sparked a heated debate. Known for stirring reactions both on and off-screen, the Basketball Wives alum may have taken things too far this time, as fans accused her of being “tone-deaf” and opportunistic.
On January 10, Draya took to her Instagram to endorse an air purifier brand, explicitly referencing the devastating wildfires that have been wreaking havoc across Los Angeles. While her post appeared to highlight the importance of clean air in the midst of a natural disaster, the timing and context left many followers unimpressed.
“While the unimaginable is happening with the fires in LA… air quality is so poor, toxic even,” Draya captioned her post. “I’m using the @sereniby_official air purifier to ensure that my kids and pets are breathing in fresh, double-filtered air. The brand is now offering $200 off when you use my link in bio. There’s no price on peace of mind but having it is more valuable than most worldly things.”
The reality star also added the hashtag “#prayforla.”
The caption of her post directly tied the product to the ongoing wildfire crisis, which didn’t sit well with many of her fans. Comments quickly poured in, with critics accusing the reality star of profiting off a tragedy. “Read the room, Draya,” one user wrote. Another chimed in, “People are losing their homes and lives, and you’re over here trying to sell us an air purifier? Really?”
While some users defended Draya’s intent, suggesting that promoting better air quality during a wildfire could be helpful, the majority felt the move lacked sensitivity. “It feels exploitative to use a disaster like this to push a product,” another social media user pointed out.
Los Angeles is presently dealing with the consequences of intense wildfires that have devastated homes, forced families to evacuate, and greatly affected air quality. Although advocating for measures to enhance air conditions may appear to be positive, the backlashers maintain that Draya’s method came across as more opportunistic than compassionate.
