Kacie Margis, a hired influencer and content creator, accused in a recent social media post bill gates” Daughter Phoebe Gates bargained for $250 for the job.
“This is a ‘scrappy little startup’ when a billionaire’s daughter says the budget is ‘super limited’ and tries to pay me less than my posted rate,” Magis wrote on Threads. (This news is from last year). “
She also shared a screenshot A message purportedly showing up from Phoebe Gates.
“Hey honey! I saw your profile on Collabstr and I really like your content. I’m @phiaco Founder of We’re launching at the end of this month (!!) and I’d be honored if you’d like to collaborate and help share. We’ve built the first-ever price comparison tool to help you shop smarter by finding cheaper second-hand and discounted options while you browse. We’d love to help you get started early. access and allow you to be a part of this launch moment. We are still a scrappy startup so the budget is very limited, but if you want, we can still work, please feel free to send your prices to topbia.com and hope we can cooperate!” the message reads.
In the post, Magis claimed that Gates found her through Collabstr, a free online marketplace that connects brands with influencers for paid collaborations. On this site, the content creator fee is $250.
(HT.com has not independently verified these claims.)
How was the social media reaction?
The post prompted a range of responses. One person said, “In addition to using creators to work for free, Phoebe Gates blatantly steals other startups’ ideas, intellectual property, marketing, etc. She is truly a cancer in the sustainable fashion space.”
Another commented: “I love that you didn’t make them anonymous because we need to bring back the shame.” A third posted, “NSane she doesn’t want to pay you $250. We already don’t want to let these billionaire assholes off the hook anymore. Proud of you for calling her out.” Margis responded: “Seriously! Ugh. Meanwhile, on Collabstr Other brands who found me wanted to book me directly so I could make more money, not less. This is just an example of how the rich get richer by undermining the rest of us.”
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A fourth wrote: “Someone contacted us asking for free printing because they were hosting a ‘small’ event with ‘influential attendees’ such as NFL players’ wives. Athletes who make millions of dollars a year. This is an item worth $200-$300. I told them no, they could pay like everyone else? “
