French social media influencer Cyril Schreiner admitted to fabricating the kidnapping of his pug, Albert, a hoax that captivated his 12 million followers and sparked widespread concern. Schreiner, 27, confessed to staging the event in a video posted to Snapchat on Monday, February 9, according to multiple reports.
The influencer revealed he had orchestrated the false kidnapping just days after announcing Albert’s “safe return,” a narrative that initially involved sharing security camera footage purportedly showing the dog’s disappearance from his garden. The incident quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of worry from fans. Still, the staged nature of the event was revealed when images circulated showing potatoes placed inside the bag that was presented as containing the abducted dog, leading to accusations of insensitivity and deception.
In his confession, Schreiner stated he had been struggling with personal difficulties over the past year and had lost enjoyment in creating content. He denied that the stunt was motivated by a desire for increased views, subscribers, or financial gain, claiming he simply wanted to recapture the creative spirit he felt in 2016. He also explained his preference for Snapchat, where he initially shared the confession, as a matter of personal choice, dismissing suggestions that it was due to the platform’s profitability. “I wanted to create entertainment,” Schreiner said, as reported by U.S. Magazine, “And that’s what I’ve been doing for you for one week, but I did it really in the worst way.”
Schreiner apologized for his actions, describing the scheme as a “very bad joke” and acknowledging that it had caused undue emotional distress. He pledged to donate all proceeds earned from posts related to the fabricated kidnapping to animal welfare organizations, though he did not specify the total amount. The confession followed days of speculation and criticism regarding the authenticity of the kidnapping claim.
The incident has drawn condemnation from across social media, with many users expressing outrage at what they perceived as a callous and manipulative act. The Daily Mail reported widespread criticism of Schreiner’s actions, highlighting the emotional impact on his followers. Schreiner’s admission came after he initially presented a narrative of searching for Albert, sharing images and updates that fueled public concern.
