The Dubai promo machine
Not every influencer invite is innocent. From yacht parties to oil‑baron galas, celebrities are cashing in—one post at a time. But behind the gold-filtered pics? A whole lot more.
Dubai’s glamour isn’t free—it’s a package. Influencers are flown out, wined and dined, and sent home with extravagant promos. Problem is? Many of these “invitations” come with undisclosed pay or sketchy side deals—and once they’re in, some realize too late where the real cost lies.
“Porta‑potty” influencer parties
In April 2025, a harrowing News.com.au exposé detailed how young Instagram influencers were lured under the guise of luxury Dubai modeling jobs—only to end up in disturbing “VIP” and so-called Porta‑Potty parties. One Ukrainian influencer, Maria Kovalchuk, was left severely injured and abandoned after attending what she believed was a high-end social event (read more cases below)
How it starts: Vogue-like invites via direct message, promises of exclusive yacht experiences, or oil‑baron sponsor dinners.
What happens: Some attendees allege they were coerced into humiliating acts, drugged, or s3xually exploited.
Aftermath: Victims reported being ignored or jailed when they tried to seek help—Dubai authorities often do not pursue their claims
Celebrity whispers – the hush deals
Tyne‑Lexy Clarson (Love Island UK, season 3): reported being offered £20,000 just to show up at a Dubai dinner—and allegedly an extra £50,000 for extended overnight stays under NDAs
Rosie Williams (also from Love Island) revealed she was asked to be a “companion” for luxury travelers for £100,000 a year, plus free designer clothes and bags thesun.co.uk.
TikToker Saint Mullan says she received messages promising £16K and bizarre requests—like urinating on her—if she would attend a “prince’s” event.
Dubai “Paid Influencer Army” Scheme (2025): Dubai launched an official Influencer Academy to train and pay Western content creators to promote the city as a safe, glamorous destination. Human rights advocates, led by Radha Stirling of Detained in Dubai, accused the campaign of being state-sponsored propaganda, whitewashing forced detentions and jailing over social‑media posts. This isn’t rumor—it’s documented by experts urging travel warnings.
Saint Mullan’s “Princess Fetish” DM Scam: UK fitness influencer Saint Mullan revealed in a viral TikTok—and confirmed to the Mirror—that she was offered £16,000 to fly to Dubai to meet a man claiming to speak for a prince. The job involved bizarre and s3xual requests like performing fetishes. She refused—and her case has been publicly documented, raising awareness about the trend of exploitative DMs detainedindubai.org.
Mara Kovalchuk & “Porta‑Potty” Party Horror (2025): A 20-year‑old Ukrainian influencer named Maria Kovalchuk was flown to Dubai under the guise of a VIP modeling event—only to end up severely injured. She claims she was present at a so-called “Porta‑Potty” party. Found bloodied and with a spinal injury, she survived four surgeries. Authorities and her family dispute the circumstances, but the news.com.au report confirms the story—and highlights how Dubai’s legal system lets victims fall through the cracks.
Why this matters
Paid. Yet undisclosed. Influencers often present these trips as sponsored content—failing to reveal the true nature or origin of compensation.
Dangerous territory. What starts as a brand gig can spiral into exploitation—no one is vetting the hosts.
Reputation risk. Once the darker truth leaks, the influencers’ image, brand, and safety take hits—and the damage ripples across social channels.
More to come.. This will be a series folks! Stay tuned!
| Red flag | What to do |
| Mega‑lux trips + NDA = shady | Check if it’s a verified brand sponsorship or just your DMs |
| No clear disclosure | Ask: “Did you get paid—or worse, just flown in for favors?” |
| Vague guest list info | Get details: who’s hosting, what’s the timeline, is there a contract? |