In the ever-growing saga of social media influencers who mistake follower counts for immunity, meet 22-year-old Marlena Velez. With nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, Velez apparently believed her influence extended beyond likes and comments into the realm of lawbreaking.
Her crime? Using fake barcodes to steal $500 worth of household goods and clothing from a Florida Target. But that wasn’t the audacious part. Oh no. Velez filmed herself getting ready for the theft, vlogged her trip to Target, and even recorded herself picking out the stolen items and loading them into her car—all for her fans to enjoy. Talk about commitment to content creation.
It’s the kind of arrogance that makes you wonder: How many followers does it take before someone starts believing the rules don’t apply to them? Is it 10,000? 50,000? Or maybe, just maybe, this is the grown-up version of high school entitlement. You know, the kids who thought being popular meant they could treat everyone—and every rule—as irrelevant.
At 22, Velez’s mindset is already raising eyebrows. If this is how far she’ll go for content now, what will she try at 32? A high-speed chase for Instagram Stories? A fake heist for a YouTube vlog? Where does this clout-fueled delusion end?
But hey, it’s the holiday season, and we’re in a giving mood. Inspired by her audacious antics, we’ve compiled the ultimate Christmas gift guide for the arrogant social media influencer in your life—the one who thinks they’re above the law.
Top Christmas Gifts for the Influencer Who Thinks They’re Above the Law
A Deluxe DIY Barcode Maker
“Why let stores dictate prices? This gift lets them create their own reality. Perfect for anyone who believes their follower count makes them an economic visionary.”
The ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ Card (Influencer Edition)
“Great for Monopoly, useless in real life. But hey, it’s the thought that counts!”
A Custom Orange Jumpsuit with Personalized Username
“For when the clout catches up to the consequences. Includes a TikTok handle on the back for easy tagging during mugshots.”
Ring Light + Handcuffs Combo Pack
“Ensure perfect lighting for their ‘arrest haul’ video. After all, content is king—even in cuffs.”
The “Rules Don’t Apply to Me” Handbook
“Featuring chapters like ‘How to Blame Society’ and ‘Why Accountability is Overrated.’ A must-have for every aspiring clout chaser.”
Self-Checkout for Dummies
“A lighthearted guide to self-checkout etiquette, with a special section on why barcodes are not optional.”
‘Influencer Entitlement Scorecard’
“Track your rise to untouchable arrogance. Bonus points for every law ignored and every crime filmed!”
Clout Tokens (Non-Refundable)
“When real-world currency fails, clout tokens are the perfect backup. They don’t pay bail, but they’re great for Stories.”
Let’s Ponder
Marlena Velez’s story is a cautionary tale, a snapshot of what happens when social media fame goes to one’s head. It’s a reminder that while clout might open doors online, it won’t unlock the ones at the county jail.
So, as you finish your holiday shopping, take a moment to reflect: Is there an influencer in your life who needs a reality check this Christmas? Or, at the very least, a personalized orange jumpsuit?
Remember, followers might boost your ego, but they don’t make you above the law.
