Earlier today (28th January 2025), influencer Mikaela Testa dropped a bombshell TikTok video that has sent shockwaves through social media. In her video, Testa read a lengthy statement filled with serious allegations against influencer Anna Paul, who has built a career on her seemingly wholesome, body-positive brand, and Anna’s brother, Atis Paul, Testa’s ex-boyfriend. These claims, though unproven and based on Mikaela’s experiences, have shocked one of the biggest influencer fan bases on the internet.
For years, Anna Paul has cultivated an image of kindness and inclusivity, frequently championing body positivity and self-love on her social media platforms. However, Testa’s video casts doubt on this persona, alleging that Anna’s online behaviour is calculated and manipulative, hiding an entirely different reality behind the curated posts and bubbly demeanour. In Testa’s own words, the Anna “you guys love and idolise so much never existed.”
This is a bold statement about someone who has built an empire by being “relatable,” and, if true, it calls into question the level of trust fans should place in influencers who profit off parasocial relationships.
Testa’s statement detailed a troubling incident that allegedly occurred in 2021 when Anna was at the peak of her “body positivity” phase. According to Testa, a plus-size fan approached Anna for a hug and photo, sharing how Anna’s online messages about self-acceptance had helped her gain confidence in her own body. Yet, Testa alleges that after the fan walked away, Anna reportedly referred to her as “annoying and gross” and expressed discomfort at having to hug her because “she was fat and sweaty.” Testa further claims that Anna’s brother, Atis, laughed in response. If true, this account paints a deeply hypocritical picture of someone who preaches acceptance while privately mocking the very people who look up to her.
Beyond this, Testa called out Anna’s online giveaways, accusing her of exploiting vulnerable fans. Anna has been known for stunts such as hiding cash in cities and hosting cash giveaways, but Testa alleges that these acts of generosity are performative and profit-driven. She claims Anna lures fans to her OnlyFans page—where subscriptions cost $16 a month—by advertising giveaways on Instagram Stories. According to Testa, these promotions act as a “lottery ticket” for subscribers, creating false hope that they’ll receive money from Anna.
More troubling is the alleged targeting of young and impressionable fans. Testa argues that Anna’s predominantly teenage and female audience is being drawn into what she calls an “illegal lottery gambling scheme.” While these claims remain unverified, they have sparked conversations about influencer ethics, particularly when their business practices may prey on their audience’s vulnerability.
While Anna is the primary focus of Testa’s video, her accusations against Atis Paul are even more serious. Testa described their relationship as emotionally and physically abusive, alleging that Atis would harm himself or threaten his life to manipulate her into staying with him. She also claimed that Atis took significant sums of money from her, hacked into her accounts, and even stole jewellery from her after their breakup.
Mikaela Testa accused Atis of financial abuse, alleging that he would take up to 50% of her income under the guise of “managing” her but provided no actual support. She further claims she transferred him approximately $1 million for “investments” that yielded no return.
The most alarming allegation concerns a previous accusation of rape made against Atis by another ex-partner. Testa stated that she believed the victim at the time, sharing that the account was eerily similar to her own experiences of abuse during their relationship. While Testa did not provide evidence for these allegations, her claims contribute to a growing number of stories about the internet personality.
What makes these allegations even more disheartening is Anna Paul’s position as a prominent figure in the online body positivity movement. Her image has been built on authenticity, inclusivity, and empowerment, values that her fans have trusted for years. If Testa’s claims are true, it would suggest a complete betrayal of those ideals, not to mention the trust of millions of followers.
From a feminist perspective, Testa’s account highlights the unique pressures faced by women in the public eye, especially influencers. The industry is rife with performative activism and shallow empowerment campaigns, which are often weaponised for profit. Anna’s alleged behaviour—using body positivity as a branding tool while demeaning fans in private—is a sobering example of how these movements can be co-opted and monetised.
On the other hand, Testa’s allegations against Atis Paul underline the systemic issue of abuse and manipulation that many women face, both in and out of the public eye. As Testa mentioned in her statement, after their break-up, there was a strong hate campaign against Mikaela Testa led by fans of the Paul siblings. Is this another example of victims in the public eye not being believed simply because they have a smaller fan base?
While it’s important to remember that these are allegations, and neither Anna nor Atis Paul have responded to Testa’s claims, the video has undeniably caused a rift in the influencer world. Fans who once saw Anna as an inspiring figure are now grappling with conflicting stories. Following Justin Baldoni’s hate campaign against Blake Lively, the public are already feeling sceptical about trusting the accounts of celebrities and influencers. Is Anna the sweet, bubbly creator she appears to be online, or is she, as Testa suggests, a carefully constructed persona?
This situation also raises broader questions about the authenticity of influencers and the power dynamics at play in their interactions with fans. With so many young people idolising influencers, it’s critical to examine the real-world impact of these seemingly aspirational figures. How do their words and actions affect the fans who trust them implicitly? And what responsibility do influencers have to ensure that their platforms are not only ethical but also genuinely empowering?
As of now, Anna and Atis Paul have not issued any public statements regarding Testa’s video. Until they do, these allegations remain just that.
