A New York City influencer has faced both ridicule and statements of support online after posting what critics say was staged video of a date in the Hamptons.
Taylor Paige describes herself as “a trained dancer, executive assistant at a major investment firm, lifestyle and fashion influencer.”
On Sunday, she posted a video describing how “a wealthy man took me to the Hamptons on a date.”
The clip showed her being driven out of Manhattan and then boarding a motorboat to cross the water. She showed off a restaurant, Rumba, in Hampton Bays, where she said she had lunch.
“It’s a nice place to go if you go there with someone who happens to have a boat,” she said.
She then filmed herself on the beach before heading back into town – and was shown sitting on Dunkin Donuts plastic bags in the car because her dress was reportedly still wet.
Critics noted that she always filmed herself and apparently no one else was there.
Some said she was bad company if she only filmed herself, while others said the whole “date” was arranged just for her 4,400 social media followers.
“This is borderline scaring,” said another. “Please introduce real New Yorkers instead of transplant nobodys.”
Taylor Paige, a New York-based influencer, shared a video with her 4,400 followers on Sunday that featured a “date” with a rich man
Paige said her “date” allowed her to steer the boat
Paige’s video begins with her explaining that “he had to get me an Uber” to take her out of town, and then he picked her up and drove her to the marina.
She films the white boat and then herself as she sits on it and says he told her to relax.
Filming the Rumba Caribbean restaurant on Shinnecock Bay in Hampton Bays, Paige films the cocktails but not the food: she said the ribs were delicious.
She then films herself steering the boat and sitting on the beach before returning to Manhattan.
Some immediately found the video questionable.
“Sounds like someone went out alone and tried to play it off like a date,” said one.
“The videos were carefully edited so we never see the rich man.” Note that she forgot to record the food, but not the drinks. Just order two drinks to take with you. I’m not going to order two plates of food to play it off like someone’s there.
“If this wealthy man wanted his identity kept secret, she could have shot him from the neck down or taped his hands and feet. ‘Yes, I’ve seen people pull that trick.’
Paige told her followers that “a rich man” took her out on a date
She showed her followers the boat they were traveling on
Paige never showed her date, only showed pictures of herself
She also showed off the Hampton Bays restaurant where they reportedly had lunch, Rumba
Paige filmed two drinks but didn’t show any food, which critics say was because she didn’t want to pay for two meals even though she was alone
Paige claimed that she and her date sat on the beach after lunch
Another said, “You had your phone out most of the date. It must have been exciting for your company.”
Another added: “That was a Groupon deal.”
Paige herself did not respond to ‘s request for comment, but has poked fun at the criticism online.
“Lord, let’s start the comments!” she wrote. “Some will hate utterly, some will be cute, but either way I will ENTERTAIN.”
She added, “Everyone is so creative!” “These comments make me weak.”
Some said the sentencing was racist.
“Most people in the comments are just angry because they don’t like black women being spoiled,” said one.
“It’s an incredible experience for her,” said another.
“If she told this man that she’s a content creator and allowed her to record her experiences, it wouldn’t be a big deal.” That’s how she gets paid! So I don’t see the problem.
“That was a bomb date too.”