The Twitch streamer Imane “Pokimane” Anys (27) faced criticism for selling overpriced cookies on Twitch that closely resemble an already established brand. The situation escalated when she referred to viewers as “broke boys,” meaning boys without money. This brought her a backlash, but she seems to be able to laugh about it now.
What is Pokimane criticized for?
- Pokimane announced on Twitch that she would sell healthy cookies, which she and her team had been developing for two years.
- However, these cookies were criticized for closely resembling a brand of expensive cookies sold at the supermarket chain Costco.
- Pokimane’s cookies were even more expensive.
- Pokimane told a user in the Twitch chat who mentioned the price: he could just say he was broke. Anyone can spend their money on whatever they want.
Pokimane has been accused of insulting her own fans
What was the criticism of her? Her statement to the viewer that he must be broke if he is upset about the cookie prices, led to a lot of criticism online. A video by the YouTube channel penguinz0 reached over 5 million views. In the video, Pokimane was accused of losing touch with her community and reality.
Implying that her own viewers are poor is inappropriate since the viewers are the ones who helped her grow and provided her with the money that has now put her in this comfortable position.
Her cookies are simply an overpriced influencer product that only fans buy to support her. Insulting this target audience is unacceptable.
How did Pokimane react to this: The streamer apologized for the statement, saying it was meant as a joke and directed only at that one person who had been “rude”.
“No Broke Boys Black Friday Sale,” but there is a nice hat
This reignites the discussion: In a later Twitch stream on Friday, November 24th, Pokimane was asked how the cookies were selling.
Pokimane said they were selling very well. Additionally, they had a promotion running, but it was not a “Broke Boys Black Friday Sale,” rather there was now a stylish hat for everyone who orders cookies worth at least $56.
What was the reaction? This statement also drew criticism. The repeated use of the “Broke Boys” comment particularly upset some people.
Her cookies are also mocked as “Copy&Paste cookies” (via twitter).
Demand for cookies is apparently relatively high in Germany
What is surprising? Pokimane seems to have many fans in Germany. In the Twitch chat, she is also asked in which countries her cookies will be available soon.
In addition to the “usual suspects” Canada and the UK, Pokimane also mentions South Africa and Germany as countries from which a lot of feedback has come, with people wanting her cookies there.
More about Pokimane:
The biggest streamer on Twitch is accused of exploiting lonely men for money
