Influencer Sopha Dopha, known to fans as Sophia Begg, is facing criticism from some followers after a public dispute with Sydney Airport over its limited gluten-free food options, particularly in light of her recent advertisement campaign with McDonald's. McDonald's, a frequent subject of her sponsored content, does not offer gluten-free menu items.
The controversy began in August when Dopha, 22, posted a video expressing frustration about the lack of gluten-free choices at Sydney Airport. "Literally every single place, they don't have gluten-free," she stated, adding, "Sydney Airport, you need to get your s*** together... tell me why I'm walking around to every single food place in the airport and no one does gluten-free." She specifically mentioned searching for gluten-free bread.
Sydney Airport responded to Dopha's complaints via its social media account, uploading a reel that highlighted seven restaurants across its terminals offering gluten-free or gluten-friendly options. The airport used Dopha's video as a voiceover for their response, with the caption, "Hope that helps." The airport's account also engaged with comments, liking some that criticized Dopha and responding to users who defended her.
Dopha pushed back against the airport's response in the comments, asserting that "seven options across three terminals and most of them are sold out or not available when you go." Her followers initially largely supported her stance, with some calling for a boycott of the airport.
However, the sentiment shifted for some users after Dopha appeared in a recent advertisement promoting McDonald's new McGold Card. Critics pointed out what they perceived as hypocrisy in her advocating for gluten-free choices at the airport while simultaneously promoting a company whose menu lacks such options. McDonald's website states, "McDonald's can't guarantee any food items are free from nuts or gluten" and notes the potential for allergen transfer during preparation.
Social media users commented on the perceived inconsistency, with one user writing, "For someone who kicked up such a stink with Sydney Airport for not having gluten-free, diva Sopha seems to be in a lot of McDonald's ads with their new Gold Card. Who famously don't do gluten-free? I've got whiplash lol." Another user commented on a TikTok advertisement featuring Dopha, stating, "Girl, Maccas isn't gluten-free." Dopha, whose real name is Sophia Begg, gained prominence as a fashion and lifestyle influencer on TikTok, where she has amassed over 1.5 million followers. She has a longstanding association with Ronald McDonald House and has previously participated in McDonald's-related initiatives, including donating hair for wigs for cancer patients and purchasing large quantities of McDonald's for a homeless shelter.