Yahoo News 'I did a horrible job explaining this': Aladdin actor Mena Massoud faces backlash after asking fans to pay for content
Fans were torn with the Canadian actor's decision to charge for content, calling it 'unfair', while other regarded it as 'simply business'
Aladdin star Mena Massoud is facing fan frustrations after announcing on Instagram that "most" of his social media content will exclusively be for paid subscribers.
“Content creation is something that I have really struggled with in the past and I really want to reward my most loyal fans. The people who really want an inside look into my life,” he said in an Instagram video.
Massoud promises paid subscribers daily stories, monthly lives and raffles, and content they’ve never seen the actor talk about before like philosophy.
Last summer, Instagram released a new subscription feature that allows creators to monetize their content on the social platform. It includes exclusive content and benefits to followers who pay the monthly subscription fee.
The actor told his followers that his subscription rate will be, “less than what a cup of coffee costs.” However, many of his fans are disappointed, accusing the actor of choosing money over his fanbase.
Fans aren't happy about star's call for additional cash
“This is very unfair and I'm honestly disappointed... Many people can't afford it, even if they're your fans, and it is unfair that they won't be able to see most of your post because you're chosing money over your fans. It's very sad and disappointing," one comment read.
“Bye then , picking money and being picky about fans. That’s not humble, that’s not nice, that’s looking out for yourself only,” another follower said.
“This sad because we know he has a lot of money he was in Disney's Aladdin and to ask for money to view, his content is in poor taste. If you have fans you should be happy that your fans,” commented a fan.
In response to the criticism, Massoud replied to one fan saying, “What’s sad is people think I made a ton of money from Aladdin when in reality that’s far from the truth. Will speak about that when the time is right. Regardless, nothing will change with the current feed and content.”
The actor reassured fans that unpaid content will remain the same, but that he didn't do a great job outlining the new content options.
"I did a horrible job explaining this. It's just for people who want more/personal content," he explained to one fan who said he had been a long-time fan.
Some fans took a different note, understanding that the actor's dilemma.
"I support it. Instagram stopped paying creators so it makes sense completely," one fan said. Another added, "He doesn't love us any less, but he does have to make a living....it's simply business."
Although it’s unclear how much Massoud made from Aladdin - a film that grossed more than $1 billion at the box office - he told The Daily Beast in 2019 he struggled after its release.
I’m kind of tired of staying quiet about it. I want people to know that it’s not always dandelions and roses when you’re doing something like Aladdin. ‘He must have made millions. He must be getting all these offers.’ It’s none of those things. I haven’t had a single audition since Aladdin came out.Mena Massoud, Canadian actor
“People have these ideas in their head. It’s like, I’m sitting here being like, okay, Aladdin just hit $1 billion. Can I at least get an audition? Like I’m not expecting you to be like, here’s Batman. But can I just get in the room? Like, can you just give me a chance? So it’s not always what you think,” he also said.
Since that interview, Massoud has gone on to feature in a few films and host his current food show, Evolving Vegan.
The backlash has not stopped the actor from ending his subscription service, with some fans understanding the dilemma. Instagram has cut down payment to providers, and He says his regular feed content will still exist — at a surface level. The monthly fee for his exclusive content is US$3.99.
