Michael Ilesanmi from 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? is being accused of being unemployed and attempting to make quick money on TikTok. The Nigerian reality star arrived in the United States in December 2023 on a spousal visa sponsored by his American wife, Angela Deem. Michael and Angela stayed together for a few months, trying to work through their marital issues. However, Michael could no longer handle Angela’s verbal abuse and ran away from her house. After this scandalous departure, Michael launched a fundraising campaign, which raised over $50,000 to help him fight Angela in court.
Michael has always enjoyed interacting with his fans on social media and aspires to become an influencer. However, his recent actions on TikTok have received a lot of criticism.
A Reddit user named @slipperysquirrell recently expressed disappointment and disapproval of Michael’s new money-making antics. The Redditor posted a photo of Michael’s TikTok gift battle and discussed how the reality star had been begging fans for gifts on social media instead of finding employment in the United States. The Redditor wrote, “he could work hard and send money home. I mean I guess it’s easy money.” Many others agreed in the comments and expressed their disappointment. Another Redditor, @Kooky_Avocado9227, wrote, “so, in other words e-begging.” Someone else, @Colfrmb, commented, “Omg, what a grifter.”
What Does Being Called A “Grifter” Mean For Michael Ilesanmi’s Career?
Michael Is Probably Choosing A Sneaky Method To Boost His Income
Before coming to the United States, Michael made grand promises. He expressed his desire to become a successful influencer on social media and work tirelessly to entertain his fans. Michael had aspirations of achieving his American dream through hard work and dedication. Unfortunately, Michael hasn’t kept his promises. Instead of putting in the effort, he has been soliciting easy money from his fans, resorting to any means to make a quick buck. In mid-2024, Michael initiated a fundraiser to raise funds for his lawyer, requesting a large sum of $25,000. He didn’t turn off donations until he had amassed $52,000.
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Michael’s TikTok battle requesting gifts post indicates that he continues to seek more from his fans. Instead of creating high-quality content, engaging in promotions, and working hard, he resorted to cheap tactics to increase his earnings without putting forth much effort. Michael is aware that he is still a popular cast member among fans, and he’s taking advantage of his innocent public image to maximize his benefits. Michael’s TikTok battle suggests he likely never had a strategic plan for using social media and may have always intended to exploit 90 Day Fiancé viewers who support him financially.
Our Take On Michael Ilesanmi’s Pursuit Of “Easy Money”
Michael Was Likely Testing Out Various Ways To Generate Income
It’s unfortunate that Michael is engaging in grifting on social media, but it isn’t fair to judge his character so quickly. Michael didn’t have access to social media platforms for the last six years. He had no experience when he joined Instagram and TikTok in mid-2024. Perhaps Michael was trying different things to find his niche. He may not understand the negative implications of participating in TikTok gift battles or how to capitalize on his fame yet. The 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? alum needs at least a year to figure out a career path.
90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days
airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC.
Source: @slipperysquirrell/Reddit
90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? follows the lives of couples from the original 90 Day Fiancé series as they navigate married life. The show explores the challenges, cultural adjustments, and evolving relationships these couples face post-marriage. It provides an in-depth look at how their dynamics change beyond the initial 90-day visa period and continues the narrative of their pursuit of a lasting union.
- Cast
- Angela Deem , Elizabeth Potthast , Andrei Castravet , Michael Ilesanmi , Paola Mayfield , Russ Mayfield , Loren Brovarnik , Alexei Brovarnik , Chantel Everett , Pedro Jimeno , Ed Brown , Liz Woods , Larissa Dos Santos Lima , Colt Johnson , Kalani Faagata , Asuelu Pulaa , Jovi Dufren , Yara Zaya , Debbie Johnson , Shaun Robinson , Danielle Mullins , Mohamed Jbali , Jasmine Pineda , Gino Palazzolo , Emily Bieberly , Kobe Blaise , Anfisa Arkhipchenko , Jorge Nava , Nicole Nafziger , Sophie Sierra , Rob Warne , Nicole Jimeno , Kim Menzies , Ashley Michelle , Manuel De Jesus Velez-Rojas , Usman Umar , Thomas Everett , Skyla Deem , Rebekah Lichtwerch , Thaís Ramone , Patrick Mendes , Karen Everett , Chuck Potthast , Jenn Davis , Jenny Slatten , Shaeeda Sween , Sumit Singh , Bilal Hazziez , Winter Everett , Jess Caroline , Natalie Podiakova , Mike Youngquist , TIffany Franco , River Everett , Azan Tefou , Eric Nichols , Ashley Martson , Jay Smith , Charlie Potthast , Julia Trubkina , Brandon Gibbs , Lidia Morel , Syngin Colchester , Ronald Smith , Tania Maduro , David Toborowsky , Annie Suwan , Molly Hopkins , Paul Staehle , John Mcmanus
- Release Date
- September 11, 2016
- Seasons
- 8
- Main Genre
- Reality-TV
