Looks like Draya Michele promoted the wrong product at the wrong time.
The actress is facing backlash after promoting an air purifier amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
gave Basketball Wives LA The 39-year-old star shared a video on Instagram on Saturday, January 11, showing off the Serenbe air purifier as the city battles the devastating fire.
The post, which featured Michelle unboxing and setting up the purifier with her 8-year-old son Jru Scandrick in the background, drew mixed reactions from her followers.
“While the unthinkable is happening in LA with the fires … the air quality is very poor, even toxic,” Michelle wrote in the caption.
“I’m using the @sereniby_official air purifier to make sure my kids and pets are breathing fresh, double-filtered air.” It also offered a discount code for $200 off the product.
“Peace of mind is priceless but having it is more valuable than most worldly things,” Michelle added.
The post drew criticism, causing Michelle to limit comments on her post.
In response to the controversy, Sereniby said people that Michelle “was not compensated for her position.”
“She and her team approached us because she actually uses the product and believes it can help others deal with severe air quality in Los Angeles,” the company explained. .
“Together, we’ve found ways to make our purifiers as affordable as possible during these difficult times. We’re a small, family-run startup that started just a few months ago, and we Incredibly grateful for his genuine support.”
“Like many people, we feel powerless against the devastation caused by the L.A. fires, but we want to help in any small way we can,” Serenby added.
“We are donating 10% of our January profits to the American Red Cross, and we recognize that there are so many urgent needs in this crisis. If funding for an air purifier can help lighten someone’s burden. If so, we encourage those living in LA to reach out to us directly – we will continue to do everything we can to help the community during this difficult time.”
Despite the company’s explanation, some followers criticized Michelle’s timing and approach.
One user commented, “Draya is using LA fires to promote air purifiers on her Instagram. Like she never gets anything right.”
Another remarked, “At least she could have given them away. But selling a product at a time like this is sure proof of creamed corn for the mind.”