AITA for threatening to sue a mommy influencer
House hunting is already stressful, but what happens when the seller secretly records your private tour, edits the footage to make you look bad, and then broadcasts it to thousands of people online?
OP, an architect, and her husband, an attorney, were searching for their next home when they toured a property that seemed promising. Like most buyers, OP discussed renovations and changes she’d make to the home if they purchased it. But soon after, she discovered that the seller, a local “mommy influencer,” had taken security camera footage from the tour, edited it to portray OP as insulting her home, and posted it online—complete with OP and her husband’s faces.
Now, OP and her husband are facing online harassment, and the seller refuses to remove the video. They’ve sent a cease and desist letter and are prepared to take legal action. But some friends say they should just let it blow over. Are they overreacting, or is this a serious violation of privacy?
‘AITA for threatening to sue a mommy influencer’
Expert Opinion:
The Legality of Recording Home Tours
Security cameras in homes for sale are increasingly common, but there are strict legal limits on how sellers can use them. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sellers must disclose if recording devices are in use during a home tour.
If OP and her husband were not informed that they were being recorded, this could be a privacy violation, depending on state laws. Even if security cameras were disclosed, using the footage without consent—especially for public humiliation—could have serious legal consequences, including:
- Invasion of privacy – Many states have strict laws about recording conversations, especially if buyers were discussing personal opinions.
- Defamation – The seller intentionally edited the footage to make OP and her husband look “mean and nasty,” which could damage their personal and professional reputations.
- Harassment and cyberbullying – By inciting online attacks against OP and her husband, the seller may have crossed into cyber harassment territory.
The Rise of “Influencer Outrage Culture”
Social media thrives on drama and outrage, and many influencers deliberately manufacture conflicts to generate engagement. Dr. Brooke Erin Duffy, a researcher on social media culture, explains that influencers often use public call-outs to rally followers and boost their visibility.
By framing OP and her husband as “villains,” the seller likely gained more attention, engagement, and sympathy from her followers. But this is not a harmless online spat—it’s targeted harassment, with real-world consequences.
How to Protect Yourself from Social Media Attacks
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here’s how to handle it:
- Legal action is valid – Cease and desist letters are the first step in stopping defamation and privacy violations. OP and her husband were right to pursue this.
- Screenshot everything – Keeping records of harassment is crucial for legal action. OP should document all threats and defamatory posts.
- Publicly clarify the situation – If the seller refuses to remove the video, OP may need to release a statement of facts to counter misinformation.
- Realtors need to be proactive – Buyers should always ask about security cameras before touring a home to avoid privacy breaches.
Ultimately, letting it go isn’t always the best option. By taking action, OP and her husband are setting a precedent that this kind of social media behavior has consequences.
Here’s what Redditors had to say:
Most Redditors agree—OP and her husband are not overreacting. Secretly recording buyers, manipulating footage to damage their reputation, and encouraging online harassment is not normal behavior. Taking legal action isn’t just about protecting themselves—it’s about setting a precedent that privacy and defamation laws matter, even in the social media age.
What do you think? Should OP push forward with a lawsuit, or should they try to let the controversy fade? Share your thoughts below!