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Eating With Tod Claims Critics Are ‘Out to Get Him’ After Backlash Over ‘Charmless’ Christmas Market Visit
Food influencer Eating With Tod has suggested that critics are “out to get him” because of his success, following a wave of online backlash over his recent visit to a Christmas market that some viewers branded “charmless”.
Tod, who has built a large following through his Eating With Tod social media accounts, sparked debate last month after posting a video reviewing a festive Christmas market experience.
While the content was in keeping with his usual format sampling food, offering blunt opinions and rating the overall experience the reaction from viewers was notably divided.
Several commenters accused the influencer of being overly negative and dismissive, with some describing his attitude as “charmless” and “grinch-like”.
Others questioned whether his tone was appropriate for a seasonal attraction that many people associate with tradition, community and festive cheer.
In response, Tod pushed back against the criticism, claiming that the backlash was less about the Christmas market itself and more about resentment towards his growing profile.
“People don’t like it when you’re doing well,” he said in a recent post, adding that he believes some critics are deliberately trying to undermine him because of his success.
“Once you reach a certain level, there will always be people trying to drag you down.”
The comments quickly reignited discussion among his followers and detractors alike, with some agreeing that online creators often become targets as their platforms grow, while others argued that criticism comes with the territory of being a public figure.
Eating With Tod has built his brand on unfiltered honesty, a style that has earned him both loyal fans and outspoken critics.
Supporters praise him for saying what others won’t, particularly when reviewing popular food spots that are often hyped on social media.
They argue that his straightforward approach is refreshing in an online landscape dominated by overly positive, sometimes sponsored content.
However, critics say that honesty does not excuse a lack of warmth or context, particularly when reviewing seasonal events designed to appeal to families and tourists rather than serious food critics.
“The issue isn’t that he didn’t like it,” one commenter wrote. “It’s the way he spoke about it like he was above the whole thing.”
Others pointed out that Christmas markets, while often overpriced and crowded, are meant to be experienced as much for atmosphere as for food quality, something they felt was overlooked in Tod’s assessment.
Despite the criticism, the controversy has done little to dent his visibility.
In fact, engagement on his posts increased in the days following the backlash, with debate continuing across TikTok, Instagram and X.
Some fans rallied around him, accusing critics of being overly sensitive and unwilling to accept negative opinions.
“People ask for honesty and then get upset when they hear it,” one supporter commented. “If you don’t like his style, don’t watch.”
This divide highlights a broader conversation about influencer culture and audience expectations.
As creators grow larger, their content inevitably reaches people outside their core fanbase, many of whom may not appreciate their tone or approach.
What once felt authentic to early followers can come across as abrasive or repetitive to newer viewers.
Tod himself appears unapologetic, maintaining that his success is the result of consistency and authenticity rather than trying to please everyone.
He has repeatedly stated that he does not aim to cater to all tastes, and that criticism is an unavoidable part of online life.
Still, some observers argue that dismissing all criticism as jealousy risks alienating viewers who raise genuine concerns.
They suggest that creators who acknowledge differing perspectives, particularly when reviewing community-focused events, may benefit from a more nuanced approach.
For now, Eating With Tod shows no sign of changing course.
His content continues at pace, with new reviews and videos posted regularly, and his audience both fans and critics continues to grow.
Whether the Christmas market backlash will have any lasting impact remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the incident has once again placed the influencer at the centre of a familiar online debate: where the line lies between honesty and hostility, and how public figures choose to respond when their opinions spark controversy.
As the festive season fades and attention moves on, the episode serves as a reminder that in the world of social media, success and scrutiny often go hand in hand and not everyone will be convinced when criticism is dismissed as envy.