Influencer Alicia Vosgrau faces fierce backlash after allegedly abandoning four pet rabbits in a forest
- Dec 11
- 3 min read
11 December 2025
A wave of outrage has washed over social media and the influencer world as German content creator Alicia Vosgrau finds herself at the center of a controversy that has not only tarnished her public image but also cost her valuable brand partnerships. Vosgrau, known online as aliciasmumlife and celebrated for her motherhood, lifestyle and parenting content across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, allegedly abandoned four pet rabbits in Rantzau Forest near Hamburg earlier this year. In a move that has drawn widespread condemnation, she reportedly acknowledged the act in a since-deleted Instagram post, expressing guilt and shame over what she described as a thoughtless decision made in the moment. The fallout has been swift and severe.
The story first gained traction in early December when a local animal shelter, Tierheim Henstedt-Ulzburg, confirmed that it had discovered three of the four rabbits in August and had taken them in for care. Two of the rescued rabbits have since been successfully rehomed, but the third remained under the shelter’s supervision as advocates worked to find a safe long-term placement. The fourth rabbit’s fate was less clear, and its disappearance only deepened the sense of betrayal felt by followers and animal lovers.
In the since-removed Instagram message that ignited the controversy, Vosgrau reportedly admitted that she and those around her had “the incredibly stupid idea” of releasing the remaining rabbits into the forest, convinced at the time that the animals would fare well on their own. Her words, intended to convey remorse, instead sparked incredulity from animal welfare groups and viewers alike. Many noted that releasing domesticated rabbits into the wild exposes them to predators, starvation and environmental danger, making the act not only misguided but potentially cruel.
Tierheim Henstedt-Ulzburg was unreserved in its condemnation, stressing that abandoning animals is never acceptable and underscoring the responsibility that comes with pet ownership. The shelter stated publicly that releasing animals into the wild does not constitute a solution and that people must fully understand the long-term obligations of caring for pets before bringing them into their homes. In a formal response, the organization announced that it had filed a complaint with local authorities, prompting an investigation into possible violations of the Animal Welfare Act. That move signaled that the legal repercussions of the incident could extend beyond social judgment.
The social consequences for Vosgrau were immediate. Major brands, including global household names such as Pampers and the travel review site HolidayCheck, reportedly severed their partnerships with her following the public reaction. Both companies confirmed to German media that they no longer intended to collaborate with the influencer in any capacity, citing the seriousness of the allegations and their own commitments to ethical branding. For Vosgrau, who has cultivated a following of more than two million across platforms, losing such endorsements represents not just a financial blow but a symbolic one, calling into question her credibility and judgment as an influencer.
The digital uproar over the rabbits reflects a broader tension between influencers’ public personas and the real-world responsibilities that accompany their reach. Followers often invest in the curated lives of content creators, seeing them as guides, role models or companions in life’s milestones from pregnancy and parenting to daily routines and lifestyle advice. When a creator’s actions contradict that image, the sense of betrayal can be intense. In Vosgrau’s case, critics argued that her alleged abandonment of pets beings portrayed often in lighter, affectionate content seemed antithetical to the nurturing image she had cultivated.
The controversy has also sparked wider conversation about animal care in social media culture, where animals are frequently featured in photos, videos and viral moments. Critics of the initial act and of irresponsible treatment more generally have pointed to the need for clearer understanding and education around pet ownership. They urge potential pet adopters and influencers alike to recognize that animals are not props or temporary companions but living creatures whose needs, health and safety should never be compromised for content or convenience.
Vosgrau has not made any public statements since the uproar began and did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment. The absence of a direct response from her camp has only fueled speculation and commentary online, with some supporters calling for compassion and understanding for someone who admitted to feeling guilt and others insisting that accountability must be matched with concrete actions, not deleted posts.
As authorities continue to investigate and public debate unfolds across social platforms, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly digital fame can pivot into widespread controversy. The story of the four rabbits in Rantzau Forest has become about more than a momentary lapse in judgment. It has become a test case for how society and the influencers who command large audiences, negotiates the intersections of responsibility, empathy and the impact of online presence in the real world.
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