Binky Felstead, the 35-year-old former Made in Chelsea star, shared joyful family moments from New York on Friday, seemingly unfazed by recent criticism from a London bakery owner over a birthday cake request.

Bakery Dispute Erupts Over Influencer Request

Reshmi Bennett, owner of luxury cake business Anges de Sucre, publicly called out Felstead after her personal assistant inquired about a ‘gifted’ yellow train cake for son Wilder’s third birthday. The request proposed an Instagram post collaboration in exchange, highlighting Felstead’s 1.4 million followers.

Bennett, 42, shared screenshots of the email exchange on Instagram Thursday. She attempted to turn the inquiry into a paid order by asking for budget details and references, but Felstead’s team reiterated interest in a collaboration where the cake would be gifted for a story post.

Expressing disappointment, Bennett referenced Felstead’s wealth and suggested paying would improve optics. Felstead’s team acknowledged the point and planned to consult her before responding.

Spoof GoFundMe and Public Response

Bennett escalated by creating a satirical GoFundMe page seeking £1.4 million in £1 donations from Felstead’s followers to fund the cake, featuring an AI-generated image. She noted, ‘Our energy supplier insists on actual money rather than exposure or engagement.’

Felstead’s representative clarified: ‘This was a standard contra enquiry from Binky’s PA, offering social media exposure in exchange for a birthday cake. Binky was not directly involved and is on family holiday. We respect the decision to decline, though private enquiries are typically handled discreetly. Such deals are common and mutually beneficial in the industry.’

The team emphasized Felstead’s child-focused content drives high engagement, benefiting businesses.

Family Trip Snapshots

Hours after the backlash, Felstead posted Instagram Stories from her New York getaway, including daughter India, 8, beside a Tesla Cybertruck and a shot at Grand Central Station.

Bennett’s Stance on Influencer Requests

Bennett has long criticized influencers seeking free cakes for promotion. Her social media declares no acceptance of ‘exposure’ as payment.

Past Similar Incident

Felstead is not alone. In 2023, Catherine Tyldesley canceled her 40th birthday party after backlash over party planners NVRLND requesting free cakes and cupcakes from Three Little Birds Bakery for ‘promotion’ on socials and OK Magazine, citing 700K followers and celebrity guests.

Bakery owner Rebecca Severs refused, stating staff ‘can’t feed their kids with exposure.’ Tyldesley responded in a video: ‘Utterly bizarre… I hope the cake lady got the exposure she was craving.’ NVRLND claimed the email was misconstrued, offering to cover costs for collaboration and exposure.