Influencer Uses Husband, Future U.S. Health Secretary, in Shower Video to Promote Beauty Products
A controversial video featuring former presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked outrage online. The footage, uploaded by his wife, influencer Cheryl Hines to Instagram, shows the future U.S. Secretary of Health partially obscured while showering. Hines playfully questioned her husband’s shower plans in the video story, claiming she’s in the middle of filming.
This carefully choreographed and seemingly spontaneous moment was intended to promote products from Hines’ own cosmetics brand.
Hines’ hefty Instagram following of 183,000 indicates a significant audience for this publicity stunt. The video strategically showcased Hines + Young’s “MAHA” line, which references Kennedy Jr.’s campaign slogan, “Make America Healthy Again".
The video quickly went viral after being reposted on X (formerly Twitter). Reactions ranged from amusement to disgust. "It’s the squeakiest thing I’ve ever seen," one user commented, while another criticized the portrayal as "disgusting."
The video reignited debate surrounding Kennedy Jr. and his impending appointment as Secretary of Health. The nephew of former President John F. Kennedy is known for promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines. His ascension to a position overseeing public health concerns many, who see his stance as deeply irresponsible.
Kennedy Jr. is slated to take office in January. His controversial views pose a potential challenge to the Biden administration, which faces the ongoing struggle against vaccine misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
The incident sheds light on the sensitivities surrounding Kennedy Jr.’s appointment, highlighting the clash between his viewpoints and the evidence-based approach required for a public health role. While the video aimed primarily to promote beauty products, its implications reach far beyond marketing, raising deeper questions about the face of future U.S. healthcare.
How does the use of a personal setting like a shower impact the perception of authenticity in this influencer marketing campaign?
## Showering with Controversy: Ethical Dilemmas of Influencer Marketing
**Host:** Welcome back to “Trending Topics.” Today we’re diving into a controversy swirling around influencer marketing and political figures. Joining us is Dr. Amelia Smith, a media ethics expert from the University of [Prestigious University Name].
Dr. Smith, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Smith:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** A video is making its rounds online featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., soon to be US health secretary, appearing in a shower with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. The video, posted on Hines’ Instagram, is essentially a paid promotion for a beauty product.
Can you unpack the ethical issues at play here?
**Dr. Smith:** This case raises several concerns. Firstly, it blurs the lines between personal life and public office. While Mr. Kennedy hasn’t officially assumed his position yet, he is a public figure, and using his image in this manner, especially in such a personal setting, can be perceived as exploiting his soon-to-be role for commercial gain.
**Host:** So, is it simply the location – the shower – that’s causing the controversy?
**Dr. Smith:** It’s more than just the setting. It’s about transparency and authenticity. Viewers may feel deceived if they aren’t aware that this is a paid promotion, especially since it’s presented in such an informal, seemingly spontaneous way. [[1](https://influencity.com/blog/en/the-ethics-of-influencer-marketing-balancing-business-and-transparency)]emphasizes the importance of transparency in influencer marketing, and this situation seems to lack that.
**Host:** What are the potential implications for Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Hines?
**Dr. Smith:** Mr. Kennedy risks damaging his credibility and public trust even before taking office. As for Ms. Hines, this could harm her brand image and future partnerships.
**Host:** Dr. Smith, what lessons can we learn from this situation?
**Dr. Smith:** This highlights the need for clear ethical guidelines for influencer marketing, especially when public figures are involved. We also need to encourage critical consumption of online content and be wary of blurring the lines between genuine endorsements and paid promotions.
**Host:** Dr. Smith, thank you for shedding light on this complex issue.
**Dr. Smith:** My pleasure.
