Peller defends Mercedes gift after facing backlash for surprising Jarvis with an AMG on her birthday, saying he can afford it

Nigerian TikToker and content creator Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has publicly responded to criticism following the luxury vehicle he presented to fellow content creator Jarvis for her birthday.

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The reaction comes days after the social media personality gifted Jarvis a Mercedes Benz AMG shortly after the pair rekindled their relationship.

The gesture quickly sparked debate online, with some users questioning the appropriateness of the gift.

Addressing the backlash in a video shared on his social platforms, Peller defended his decision, insisting that wealth should not be measured solely by personal purchases or family obligations.

“Being rich is not by what you buy for yourself or your mother,” Peller said.

He argued that buying a car for a parent is often viewed as a duty, while similar gestures towards a partner attract harsher scrutiny.

The influencer added that he had recently purchased a Hyundai vehicle worth N20 million for his mother, even though she had requested a less expensive Toyota model due to maintenance concerns.

According to Peller, public criticism would have followed regardless of the choice he made.

The controversy surrounding the Mercedes gift has triggered wider conversations about financial priorities, public expectations and displays of affection among celebrities and digital creators.

Despite the criticism, Peller maintained that he acted within his means and expressed affection openly.

The episode underscores the intense scrutiny faced by online personalities, where personal milestones often become subjects of fierce public debate.

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The Mercedes gift, intended as a celebratory surprise, has now evolved into a defining social media moment for the creator, reinforcing both his prominence and the polarising nature of influencer culture in Nigeria.