A major social media buzz has been swirling around the internet after Julia Rangiheuea, a former Big Brother star and podcast host from Perth, claimed that some of the most popular “party girl influencers” are dealing with substance abuse problems behind the scenes. Julia, who now goes by the handle @recoveringpartygirl on social media, revealed that she was deep into addiction until January 2023 when she decided to turn her life around and get sober with only $29 in her pocket.
The 31-year-old podcaster uses her platform to shed light on the dark side of addiction, calling out influencers who she claims glamorize a lifestyle that nearly destroyed her. In a viral video that has garnered over 2.1 million views, Julia did not hold back, stating that these influencers have “crazy substance abuse problems” and spend their hefty paychecks entirely on partying, often leading them to financial struggles.
While some users supported Julia’s message, others criticized her for making assumptions about people’s lives. Some defended the influencers, arguing that not everyone who parties has a substance abuse issue. Despite the backlash, Julia stood by her words, aiming to start a conversation about the dangers of normalizing harmful behaviors like excessive drinking and drug use online.
In response to the controversy, high-profile personalities like Alix Earle, Charli XCX, and Lucy Jackson and Nikki Westcott were tagged by followers, prompting discussions about the influence of social media on lifestyle choices. Jackson, co-owner of the fashion label Jagger & Stone, refuted Julia’s claims, emphasizing that not everyone shares the same struggles, and urged viewers to be cautious about spreading unverified information online. The incident sparked a debate on the responsibilities of influencers and the impact of their content on their audience’s behavior.
As the discussion continues, Julia remains steadfast in her mission to raise awareness about the dangers of glorifying substance abuse and the pressure it puts on individuals to conform to a harmful lifestyle. By sharing her own story of addiction and recovery, she hopes to encourage others to reflect on their relationship with substances and make informed decisions about their well-being. Despite the divided opinions, one thing is clear – the conversation around party culture and the influencer lifestyle is far from over.
