Starring on reality TV can either make or break you. Depending on how you are portrayed onscreen, you will either be branded as a fan favorite or the villain. Celebrities and influencers like Porsha Williams, Kim Kardashian, and Lauren Conrad have thrived from sharing their lives on camera. For others, it has brought more scrutiny and criticism of their character. Influencer Jayda Cheaves has recently come under fire for her portrayal on the BET Plus show “Impact ATL.” Reality TV is tricky, and you never know how the transition will play out or how you will come across when you don’t control what the camera captures. Here are some celebrities and influencers who have benefitted and those who haven’t from reality television.
Kim Kardashian
Arguably the biggest success story of someone reaping the benefits of reality TV. Kim Kardashian and her entire family have amassed multi-million dollar fortunes thanks to “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” Even though Kardashian has received plenty of criticism due to her and her family’s appropriation of Black culture, the reality star has used her fame from the show to create various business ventures, from makeup to clothing lines.
Jayda Cheaves
Jayda Cheaves is, without a doubt, one of the most successful influencers in the business. She has made her multi-million dollar fortune from her various business ventures as a brand ambassador and a model. She has used her social media empire to endorse brands such as Savage x Fenty, Fashion Nova, and Pretty Little Thing and has been featured in prominent publications, including yours truly and Hype Hair Mag. Cheaves has always been a fan favorite, with some people even referring to her as the Black Kylie Jenner. Cheaves has had supporters since the early stages of her career and continues to have a huge following on social media.
Recently, after starring in BET Plus’s new reality show “The Impact Atlanta” alongside other top influencers, including Ari Fletcher, Arrogant Tae, Lakeyah, and Dess Dior, Cheaves has not been painted in the best light, with fans criticizing how she acts in the show. The reality series hasn’t exactly benefitted the influencer, whom viewers have accused of not being able to separate the internet from reality.
Ari Fletcher
Reality TV has helped Ari Fletcher, who stars alongside Jayda Cheaves on “The Impact Atlanta,” grow in reputation. The influencer who built her empire by selling hair extensions and becoming a brand ambassador and model has achieved success. However, she has also been criticized in the past for her comments on social media and her involvement in drama. For Ari, the show has worked in her favor, with many viewers stating how misunderstood Ari has been and how they see her in a whole new light.
Caitlyn Jenner
When Jenner came out as transgender, she was crowned as brave and a role model, especially for the LGBTQIA community. Shortly after sharing her story with the world, she was given her own reality show, “I Am Cait,” with viewers thinking she was going to be a beacon for trans awareness. Jenner adamantly supported Donald Trump for president and promoted anti-trans legislation, including her belief that transgender women shouldn’t compete in sports. Recently, Jenner’s star has significantly faded. It’s safe to say that the added spotlight of the show and her views definitely didn’t help her.
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