This is what happens when a perfectly innocent New Year’s Eve photo collides with the internet.
There is nothing worse than taking a great photo… and then not being able to use it.
And trust me, this was a great photo.
(Yes… this is the photo.)
New Year’s Eve, all of us together, everyone looked amazing, the energy was perfect. One of those rare group shots you actually want to post immediately.
So of course I asked if I could post it. He said yes. Just no mention of anything related to Epstein.
Done. Easy. Respect.
Except… not so easy.
Because somewhere between trying to tag him and trying to be efficient (dangerous), I found what I thought was his account.
It looked real. It felt real. It even made sense in that slightly ridiculous internet way.
So I tagged him. Invited him to collaborate. Posted.
Then I texted him:
“Accept my collab.”
He wrote back:
“What’s a collab?”
That was the moment.
The exact moment I knew I had a problem.
And if you know me… you know I post fast. Maybe too fast.
Because if he doesn’t know what a collab is… that is definitely not his account.
Meanwhile, the fake account accepted the collaboration, and the post started taking off. Fast. Within 24 hours it hit 90,000 views.
Which, under normal circumstances, I would have been thrilled about.
And then came the message.
“I told you no Epstein.”
I didn’t say it. I didn’t write it. But the account name said everything.
And just like that, my great photo became something else entirely.
I took it down immediately.
Because at a certain point, being right isn’t as important as being respectful.
But here’s the part no one talks about.
It was still a great photo.
And honestly, that might be the most frustrating part of all of this.
What This Actually Taught Me
The internet is messy. Viral moments are messier.
Fake accounts are everywhere, especially when someone becomes a storyline overnight.
Also, quick PSA: if someone suddenly becomes “internet famous,” assume there are at least 10 fake accounts within 24 hours. Lesson learned.
And even when you do everything right, one small detail can change the entire meaning of what you post.
The Real Question
Do I repost it?
Because part of me says let it go.
And part of me is like… absolutely not. That photo was too good.
We’ll see which side wins.
Love the story!!