An influencer’s refusal to grovel can paradoxically signal market freedom

Evidence

In his refusal to apologize, his refusal to grovel to his audience, Star consequentially has appeared more “free” than almost any other influencer, as if his brand has been magically immune to market dictates that equate personal value and number of followers, dictates that demand acquiescence from the outrage of the audience. … Star, in contrast, has never really appeared to be concerned in the same way, making him a seeming anomaly of influencer culture who either does not have to—or is merely unwilling to—engage in rituals of public shaming and apology. — Grant Bollmer, Katherine Guinness, The Influencer Factory, 296