Australian social media influencers are facing a torrent of online mockery after a series of creators posted awkward videos publicly begging for free tickets to the upcoming Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The trend, which has proliferated across TikTok and Instagram, involves influencers openly appealing to brands—and sometimes even their own followers—in desperate attempts to secure last-minute invitations to the ultra-exclusive California event.
The Brand Deal Dynamic
It is standard practice for companies to sponsor influencers by covering flights, luxury accommodation, and VIP access to exclusive parties and private events surrounding the festival. In return, these digital creators are expected to meticulously document every aspect of their experience, from outfit changes to behind-the-scenes moments, delivering brands millions of valuable impressions within just a few days.
Sam Guggenheimer's Manifestation Mishap
Among those attracting significant attention is Australian influencer Sam Guggenheimer, who told her followers in a TikTok video that she was "manifesting" a trip to Coachella this year after meticulously planning her festival outfits. "I have literally planned all my Coachella outfits on a like Keynote PowerPoint with links and everything," she lamented, adding, "So if you have a Coachella ticket and accommodation that I can stay at, happy to pay, happy to chip in."
Sam, who attended Coachella 2025 for free after being sponsored by fashion giant White Fox Boutique, was inundated with negative comments, with scores of critics questioning why she hasn't simply purchased a ticket herself. "You could always stop manifesting and buy tickets?" one user commented. "I guess buying a ticket is your only option," another agreed, while someone else added, "Buy a ticket and pay for your accommodation?" One follower even posted the direct link for purchasing a ticket to the popular event. Sam has since deleted the TikTok video from her page.
Bridget Saricc's Campaign for Travel Costs
Meanwhile, fellow Australian influencer Bridget Saricc has also sparked online backlash after publicly campaigning for a last-minute trip to Coachella. She uploaded an Instagram video of herself dancing to Sabrina Carpenter's hit song "Tears," alongside a lengthy caption explaining that she had already won a VIP ticket but couldn't afford the travel costs.
"This honestly is a dream come true… however, there is less than a month until Coachella, flights and accommodation are incredibly pricey," she wrote. Bridget called on her followers for help, urging them to share her post and tag brands or PR agencies that might assist. "With the help of delusion, manifestation and you guys, I believe I can find a way to get there!" she added, signing off with: "MISSION GET BRIDGET TO COACHELLA IS UNDERWAY!!!!!!"
Bridget—who regularly travels overseas and attended Taylor Swift's Eras Tour a staggering 16 times—also tagged a number of brands' Instagram accounts, clearly hoping one would step in and foot the bill. Her post has been widely slammed, with one user commenting, "Or alternatively seek some form of employment and pay for it yourself?" "Yeah exactly! So desperate it's gross," another agreed, as someone else reiterated, "Pay for it yourself."
Brock Valesini's Pitch for PR Salvation
Elsewhere, Australian influencer Brock Valesini has also raised eyebrows for sharing a video explaining why he deserves a free trip to Coachella. "So many of you brands are choosing the wrong people to send on these trips. You are getting backlash for it and they're getting backlash too," he said, holding up a laptop with a presentation about why he should receive free Coachella tickets.
"You can save your PR and you can save me a lot of money," he explained. Arguing his case, Brock continued, "I tick the boxes of being a creator who's been on brand trips before. There's obviously plenty of great content that could come out of this."
Brock went on to pitch a promotional angle: "Picture this, you take your product, your brand, and slap it over the fact I'm at Coachella seeing Sabrina Carpenter. Not only are the views going to be organically great because my audience equally loves Sabrina, but she's a hot topic and she's going to be one of the most talked-about acts this year." He concluded with, "Hopefully you make the right choice."
A Broader Pattern of Entitlement
This series of incidents highlights a growing pattern where influencers, accustomed to lavish brand deals, openly solicit freebies in a manner that many perceive as entitled and tone-deaf. The backlash underscores a shifting public sentiment, with audiences increasingly critical of creators who rely on sponsorship rather than personal investment for luxury experiences. As Coachella approaches, these viral pleas serve as a cautionary tale about the fine line between savvy marketing and public relations missteps in the influencer economy.
