In a surprising turn of events, popular Algerian influencer, actor, and comedian SidAhmed Belhacene has found himself at the center of controversy after promoting a gambling platform on his Instagram account. Known for his humor and engaging content, SidAhmed had amassed a following of over 1 million people. However, his recent endorsement of a berting website sparked widespread backlash, with many accusing him of undermining Algerian values and promoting harmful practices.
The Backlash: Algerians Speak Out
In Algeria, gambling is not just frowned upon culturally but is also viewed as a significant societal issue, especially given its impact on younger audiences. SidAhmed’s promotional post was perceived as irresponsible, with critics accusing him of “destroying the minds of young people” and “dragging them into gambling addiction.” Many argued that influencers, especially those with such large platforms, have a responsibility to promote positive and constructive content rather than potentially harmful activities.
In response to the outrage, thousands of followers began unfollowing SidAhmed’s account. Within days, his follower count dropped by nearly 400,000 and continues to decline as public anger grows.
A Cancel Campaign Gains Momentum
The controversy didn’t end with SidAhmed. Another influencer also faced similar backlash for promoting the same gambling platform. This has sparked a broader movement among Algerians, who are now calling for a widespread “cancel campaign” against any influencers promoting betting or gambling-related content. The campaign, largely organized on social media, aims to hold influencers accountable for their actions and discourage others from engaging in similar promotions.
SidAhmed’s Response Fuels the Fire
Instead of issuing an apology or addressing the concerns of his audience, SidAhmed responded with a dismissive remark, claiming, “I don’t care about followers, and I can easily get more followers back if I want to.”
This statement only added fuel to the fire, with many viewing it as arrogant and insensitive. The dismissive tone has further alienated his audience, accelerating the loss of followers and intensifying public criticism.
The Bigger Picture: A Shift in Influencer Accountability
This incident highlights a growing trend in Algeria and beyond: the demand for greater accountability from influencers. While many influencers leverage their platforms for income, their decisions on sponsorships and endorsements are increasingly scrutinized by their audiences.
Algerians, particularly, are voicing their concerns over the influence of gambling promotions on the younger generation, calling for ethical content and a focus on constructive, community-driven messages.
The backlash against SidAhmed and other influencers promoting gambling platforms reflects a larger societal issue: the need for responsible use of influence in the digital age. As the cancel campaign continues to gain momentum, it serves as a reminder that influencers’ actions are closely watched and that their platforms come with a responsibility to their audience.
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