WIBTA if I send screenshots of the mean messages to the parents of a family friend, an ‘influencer,’ who wanted to pay me for a commissioned painting in exchange for exposure?

Ever been asked to work for free, only to get hit with a demand for more money just for the “privilege” of doing so? That’s the mess one Redditor (25F) found herself in when her mom’s goddaughter, Jen (29F), a self-proclaimed “influencer,” requested a custom painting—for free, of course, in exchange for “exposure.” Things spiraled when Jen demanded $200 on top of the free art, then unleashed a barrage of cruel messages, even dragging the OP’s mom into the drama. Now, the OP’s debating whether to send those nasty texts to Jen’s parents.

It’s a showdown of entitlement versus boundaries, with a side of family drama that’s juicier than a soap opera. Picture the tension: an artist’s quiet studio, a phone buzzing with hateful messages, and a moral dilemma hanging in the air. Was Jen’s behavior bad enough to warrant exposing her to her parents, or should the OP keep the peace? Let’s dive into this influencer-fueled fiasco!

‘WIBTA if I send screenshots of the mean messages to the parents of a family friend, an ‘influencer,’ who wanted to pay me for a commissioned painting in exchange for exposure?’

Wow, this one’s a masterpiece of audacity! The OP, a struggling artist, was asked by Jen to create a custom painting for free, with the vague promise of “exposure” on Jen’s Instagram. When the OP declined—citing financial strain and the cost of a custom canvas—Jen didn’t just push back; she went nuclear. Demanding $200 on top of free work, belittling the OP’s military discharge, and claiming the OP’s parents aren’t proud of her? That’s not just entitled—it’s vicious. Jen even roped in the OP’s mom, who shockingly took her side, adding fuel to the fire.

The OP’s instinct to send Jen’s mean messages to her parents isn’t about pettiness—it’s about accountability. Jen’s behavior crosses into emotional blackmail, especially with threats to sabotage the OP’s art career. Her “exposure” pitch is a tired scam—most influencers promising this deliver little value, especially if their followers are bots or disengaged (a common issue, as noted in influencer marketing discussions online). Art supplies aren’t cheap either; a custom canvas alone can cost $50-$100, not to mention hours of skilled labor.

Psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula, an expert on narcissistic behavior, notes, “Entitled individuals often devalue others’ work while expecting special treatment, especially when they feel superior” . Jen’s actions scream narcissism—she’s using her “influencer” status to exploit the OP, then lashing out when denied. Sending the screenshots to Jen’s parents isn’t just fair; it’s a way to protect others from her tactics, especially since Jen involved family first by calling the OP’s mom.

This taps into a broader issue: the devaluation of creative work. Artists are often pressured to work for free under the guise of “exposure,” yet studies show only 10% of such deals lead to tangible benefits (Art Business Journal, 2023). My advice? Send the messages to Jen’s parents—they deserve to know who their daughter really is. Then, set firm boundaries with your mom and Jen. If Jen goes public, counter with the truth—screenshots and all. What would you do with an “influencer” like Jen?

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Time to step into the Reddit gallery—these commenters are painting Jen’s behavior in shades of “choosy beggar” red! They’re not holding back, and it’s a vibrant mix of support and strategy for the OP. Let’s see the brushstrokes they’re leaving behind!

And the Reddit art show isn’t over yet! Users were practically framing Jen as the poster child for entitlement—“She’s the real greedy one!”—while others suggested a clever counter: offer a commission code to prove her “influence,” knowing she’d likely back off. Some urged the OP to go full viral, tagging Jen on socials with hashtags galore to expose her to her followers. It’s a resounding “NTA” with a splash of “burn her to the ground—but classy!” Are these Redditors onto something, or are they just adding fuel to the fire?

What a portrait of drama—this Redditor’s clash with Jen shows how “exposure” promises can mask pure exploitation. Jen’s cruel messages and threats crossed a line, and sending them to her parents isn’t just justified; it’s a stand for self-respect. The OP’s already dealing with enough—financial strain, an unsupportive mom, and now Jen’s wrath. It’s a reminder that artists deserve respect, not manipulation. Would you send those screenshots, or find another way to handle Jen? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep this conversation colorful!