NEED TO KNOW
A TikToker has claimed Krispy Kreme and Maxibon have used her viral video without her permission.
Annie Korzen, an 86-year-old content creator who gained viral fame in 2021 from a video where she discusses Krispy Kreme doughnuts, has accused the brands of including a clip from her video in an advertisement without her approval.
On June 30, the official Maxibon TikTok page posted a video that overlays Korzen’s viral video with text announcing the return of a collaboration between the ice cream brand and Krispy Kreme.
“wAs iT kRIspY????” Maxibon captioned the video, mirroring the memorable line from Korzen’s viral 2021 clip.
“There is a collaboration between Maxibon and Krispy Kreme, and they have put up a video using me, using my image, using my words to sell their product,” alleges Korzen in a video she posted to TikTok on Aug. 4. “I am not credited. I am not paid for it.”
Annie Korzen/Tiktok
Korzen also commented on the video posted by Maxibon, writing, “I am not credited. I am not paid for it.”
Representatives for Maxibon and Krispy Kreme did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
“I’m not here to tell you to bully them or harass them,” says Korzen of the brands in her video. “What I’m interested in is fairness and credit and compensation and respect.”
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“I’m open to working with brands, but using my original content without credit or pay is unacceptable,” wrote Korzen in the caption of her video.
Annie Korzen/Tiktok
Before her TikTok fame, Korzen was an actress, most known for a small role in the hit sitcom Seinfeld. In 2023, the content creator released The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart, and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer, which charts her life from TV acting to TikTok fame.
