As the UK struggles through its third national coronavirus lockdown, reality stars and influencers who have jetted off to countries with more relaxed rules have come under fire, with people arguing that they’re using their work as an influencer as an excuse to go on holiday.
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Now, popular Love Island 2018 runner-upLaura Andersonhas defended herself and fellow influencers, saying that people don’t understand ‘the reality of being an influencer’. The 31-year-old Scottish beauty is currently in Dubai, where she lived for eight years before her appearance on Love Island.
‘It’s not that great’
She told her followers: ‘I think a lot of young people might want to do it, but you realise it's not that great when you see the reality of it. I saw someone in my comments saying you're on holiday, but when you're working you're not on holiday. On holiday doesn't mean just in the sun. I want people to understand then maybe they won't get as annoyed, it's not just right now, all the time.’
She cited Molly-Mae Hague’s Love Island entrance as an example of people unfairly hating on influencers, saying:
Everyone was like omg she's an influencer, as it if was a negative thing. I thought it would be a good idea to give an insight so people don't hate it as much and realise how hard it is.
‘I ain’t a millionaire’
Sharing her personal reasons for going to Dubai, Laura said: ‘The reality for me coming here prior to lockdown just as an FYI was so I could still earn money because I ain’t a millionaire 🙈 I live alone in Glasgow with no family or friends close enough that are allowed to travel to me. So for my own mental health being in Dubai I can be around my family and friends that Still live here since I lived here for 8years prior to love island, I still call UAE home.’