Unpacking the Lie Behind a Viral Misinformation Storm

What's Inside

In the world of fast-moving short-form content, a single misleading video can travel faster than the truth ever could. That’s exactly what happened recently when my name and voice were pulled into a viral narrative—one I never supported. A video that’s racked up over 2.3 million views falsely claimed I said things I didn’t. And while I normally let my work speak for itself, this time, I needed to set the record straight.

What Was Said vs. What I Actually Meant

The viral video in question claimed that 80% of luxury bags are made in China and that a real Hermès Birkin costs $600 to produce. Both statements are not only incorrect, but they also misrepresented what I’ve said in previous videos. More importantly, they used my name and voice as “proof” to support their claims—completely out of context.

Let me be clear: I have never claimed that an authentic Hermès Birkin costs only $600 to make. In one of my videos, I broke down a counterfeit Birkin bag and estimated the material and labor cost of that specific fake version to be around $600. This was a dissection meant to highlight the differences between real and fake craftsmanship—not an assessment of the real product. Suggesting otherwise is dishonest.

As for the claim that 80% of luxury bags are made in China, I actually addressed that topic in a video with the intention of debunking it. I questioned the accuracy of the statistic, especially since those who often cite it fail to provide concrete evidence. If such a large portion of luxury manufacturing were truly outsourced to China, there would be documentation—contracts, supply chain invoices, factory certifications. But none of that has been shown. The clip in the viral video conveniently cuts out the part where I said I couldn’t verify that number.

Why This Kind of Misinformation Is Dangerous

At first glance, it may seem like a harmless misunderstanding. But misinformation—especially when it uses real people’s words to prop up false narratives—undermines trust in creators, in platforms, and in the pursuit of truth. When someone weaponizes my credibility to make their message seem more legitimate, it puts my audience in a position to believe something I never said.

We are living in an age where viral content often rewards speed and outrage over accuracy and integrity. That’s why it’s more important than ever to check the source, understand the context, and call out misleading content when we see it.

Let’s Talk About Manufacturing in China—Honestly

Here’s where I want to be very clear: I am not against bags made in China. In fact, I’ve personally worked with incredibly talented Chinese manufacturers who produce high-quality goods using top-tier materials like Italian full-grain leather. Some of them operate with a level of precision that rivals—or even surpasses—what I’ve seen in Europe.

I have deep respect for the craftsmanship coming out of many Chinese workshops. One day, I plan to launch a product line proudly made in China because I know how good it can be. But let’s not confuse that respect with a blanket endorsement of misinformation that tries to normalize counterfeit culture or mislead consumers about what they’re buying. Celebrating Chinese craftsmanship should be rooted in transparency, not deception.

Misquoting Creators Erodes Credibility for Everyone

There’s room for healthy skepticism in the luxury industry. In fact, that’s part of why I started dissecting bags in the first place—so we could have an open, honest conversation about quality, pricing, and value. But if we start cutting up people’s words just to support viral hot takes or justify knock-offs, we’re doing more harm than good.

When you misrepresent someone’s work to push an agenda—especially one built on shaky claims—it hurts the entire ecosystem. It’s a disservice not just to me, but to viewers who trust creators to give them the truth, and to artisans who spend years mastering their craft only to have it belittled by false comparisons.

What’s Next? Keep Educating, Keep Creating

Since the video went viral, I’ve commented and reached out to the creators asking them to correct their mistakes. So far, there’s been no response. But I’m not dwelling on it. I’ll continue making videos that teach people how to understand leather, identify quality, and evaluate craftsmanship—without needing to rely on names or hype.

And yes, the long-awaited dissection of a real Hermès Birkin will happen. When it does, you’ll see every layer, every stitch, and every cost component. I’ll break it down in full transparency, so you can decide for yourself what it’s truly worth.

Final Thoughts: Context Over Clicks

The internet is flooded with content, but not all content is created with care. If we’re going to build a smarter, more informed community of creators and consumers, we need to demand better. Better sourcing. Better storytelling. Better respect for context.

To everyone who reached out to ask about the video or express their support—thank you. I’ll keep doing the work. And I’ll keep standing up for facts, fairness, and the makers who deserve real recognition.