Influencer accused of bullying after demanding Insta handle from user

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A woman who recently married into a billionaire family has been accused of bullying an Instagram user to hand over an account handle which contained her new name.

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Katherine Driscoll married her husband Cabot Asplundh, heir to a Pennsylvania tree service, on April 27, reports the New York Post.

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She wanted to make her new name, Katherine Asplundh, official on the social media site and did a search only to find out @katherineasplundh was already taken.

So the influencer reached out to the account holder to purchase the handle, according to a message exchange shared to Reddit earlier this month.

“Hi I was wondering if I could purchase your username from you,” the newlywed wrote to the account holder. “Just got married and this is my new name.”

The user congratulated Asplundh for the happy news, but told her that she would be banned by the site if the handle was sold.

The influencer then asked if there was any way to acquire the username.

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The original Asplundh replied that she uses it for private stories and didn’t want to get banned.

“I actually don’t believe that your name is Katherine Asplundh,” the influencer replied. “Who would make their finsta (fake Instagram) their actual name?

“I reported you to Instagram and they’re actually able to tell me your real name. I really hope I don’t know you because that’s gonna be really embarrassing for you.”

The account owner warned Asplundh that Instagram wouldn’t take it lightly if someone tried to force a user to hand over the name.

“I’m asking you to change your username because you were pretending to be someone you’re not,” the influencer demanded.

The original user reiterated that her name was Katherine, was not American, under no obligation to sell the handle — “which goes against Instagram rules” — and reported the influencer.

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However, the new Asplundh didn’t back down and claimed the family name is the only one in the U.S. while sharing a screengrab of other Asplundh’s on Facebook. She also demanded the user prove they have the same name.

“Why do I have to send you any proof of who I am? This is my account, I’ve had it since 2018,” the user replied.

“I’m sorry we share the same name but just because you got married doesn’t mean you can have my username.”

The account owner told Asplundh that she had considered handing over the handle for free, but due to the influencer’s attitude throughout the conversation, reported her for trying to buy the name and harassment.

“Have a good day.”

Reddit commenters were surprised by the “insane” behaviour exhibited by the entitled and unhinged newlywed.

“The pivot from hey girly to LET ME SEE YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE gave me whiplash,” one person wrote.

Another replied that it was “crazy” to think that only one family could have that name.

“She married into a billionaire family and is acting like they’re the only ones allowed to have that last name.”

The account for the newly married Asplundh, who at the time had more than 11,000 followers, is no longer available.

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