Skai Jackson has been facing backlash for promoting a MacBook giveaway on social media over July 4 weekend. Upon entering the giveaway, fans quickly noticed that signing up required a $5 fee. Some people started questioning why it was the case, leading to criticism against her online.
The 21-year-old actor responded to the backlash. She defended the giveaway in a TikTok Live, specifying it as a raffle.
“It is not that serious, for a damn $5. It is called a raffle, I don’t know if you guys have been to school before, but I know I’ve been to school, and we used to have raffles all the time,” she said.
Jackson specified where the extra money left would go toward.
“The money goes toward the prize, and like I said, if there’s anything left over, I’m doing a second giveaway soon. So that’s what it’s going toward,” she added.
The actor also said she did not do the giveaway for monetary reasons.
“I do not need money. Me personally, I do not need money. And I’m not saying this like, in a bragging way or anything like that or in a mean way. I’m just letting you guys know I do not personally need money. Like I am very fine in my life,” she said.
Disney Channel star Skai Jackson is being criticized for asking her fans to send her $5 “for a chance to win a MacBook.” pic.twitter.com/6GZ7kEwX5p
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 8, 2023
Some fans defended the actor, saying raffles work by everyone chipping in toward the prize.
“I don’t understand what’s wrong with her definition of a raffle. You collect the money and draw a name or number. What did she do differently?” a fan commented.
Others questioned whether the extra money would be used for another giveaway, noting that most of her fans are children.
“I paid for raffles in school but what gets me is ALL the children sending in $5 will be WELL over a MacBook price lol,” commented another.
Amid the backlash, Jackson announced the raffle winner on social media.
“This is the winner for the MacBook that has been selected days ago!” she tweeted. “Congratulations to Lele and her internship!!”
This is the winner for the Macbook that has been selected days ago! Congratulations to Lele and her internship!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7Nj0oGjiIk
— Skai (@skaijackson) July 8, 2023
The winner expressed her excitement at the news. She also rejoiced after seeing the actor followed her on Twitter.
@im.leijah Thank you sooo much!! We’re besties now!! @Skai Jackson 🥰 #fypシ゚#skaijackson #greenscreen
“Thank you sooo much!! We’re besties now!!” she captioned her video.
