Anna Delvey is denying allegations that she abandoned rabbits during a Brooklyn photo shoot, but her attempt to turn the controversy into a charitable merchandise campaign has only intensified public debate.

At a Glance

• Anna Delvey accused of abandoning rabbits in Prospect Park
• She denied involvement, blaming a crew member for the incident
• Launched “Bunnygate” merch line with 20% pledged to animal charities
• Critics question her motives due to past fraud conviction
• Animal welfare groups condemn use of animals in influencer shoots

Delvey’s Denial and Merch Play

Anna Delvey, the convicted fraudster who once posed as a wealthy heiress, is back in the spotlight after accusations that she abandoned rabbits following a photo shoot in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Delvey has pushed back strongly against the claims, insisting that she was not responsible for the animals and that a crew member made the decision to leave them behind.

Watch now: Anna Delvey’s Bunnygate Explained · YouTube

In an effort to reframe the scandal, Delvey launched a line of “Bunnygate” merchandise, promising to donate 20% of profits to animal charities. She has positioned the initiative as a way to raise awareness about domestic animal abandonment while turning the viral outrage into something she claims is “productive.”

Social Media Firestorm

The accusations exploded online, with platforms like X and Instagram amplifying both criticism and defense of Delvey. Many users expressed skepticism, pointing to her history of high-profile deception as evidence that her charitable pitch is opportunistic. A post by Page Six on X helped push the story into wider circulation, generating thousands of comments and memes.

For her supporters, the merchandise effort signals a rehabilitative turn, combining controversy with a cause. For detractors, it represents another attempt to exploit scandal for personal branding. The sharp divide illustrates the influence of social media in shaping narratives around public figures, especially those with reputations as polarizing as Delvey’s.

Animal Welfare Concerns

Beyond the spectacle, animal welfare groups have criticized the underlying issue: the stress placed on the rabbits and the risks associated with their alleged abandonment. Advocates argue that influencer culture’s reliance on animals for aesthetics often disregards their welfare. The scandal has renewed calls for stricter ethical guidelines when animals are used in photo shoots or content creation.

The mixed response to Delvey’s merchandise line underscores a broader challenge in animal advocacy. While fundraising through high-profile campaigns can draw attention to critical issues, the origins of such campaigns can overshadow the cause itself. Critics maintain that the incident distracts from genuine advocacy by centering on Delvey’s reputation rather than the animals’ well-being.

Image Versus Accountability

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between image management and accountability in the influencer economy. Delvey’s ability to turn scandals into narratives—whether through art, media appearances, or now merchandise—keeps her relevant in the public eye. Yet, the persistence of skepticism suggests that her past continues to limit the credibility of any effort tied to her name.

Animal welfare advocates see this case as a cautionary example of how spectacle can distort conversations around serious issues. For Delvey, the outcome of Bunnygate may determine whether she can continue leveraging controversy into opportunity—or whether the public has grown tired of her attempts to recast infamy as influence.

Sources

Reality Tea
Page Six
YouTube