A viral video featuring French fitness influencer and self-described “looksmaxxer” Alexis Icarus has sparked widespread online criticism after he appeared to film himself comparing his appearance to that of an unsuspecting subway passenger.
The clip, which has gained millions of views on social media, shows Icarus sitting close to another passenger, posing, adjusting his hair, and listening to music.
Online, many claimed that the influencer was attempting to “mog” the passenger. It’s internet slang for making someone appear less attractive than they are.
Icarus is famous for bodybuilding and so-called “looksmaxxing” content on social media. He focuses on physical self-improvement and has built a large follower base by documenting his fitness transformation and, safe to say, his appearance-focused lifestyle.
The subway video drew sharp criticism from viewers. Many are now accusing the influencer of invading another passenger’s personal space as well as using a stranger for online content without their consent. Some described the behavior as attention-seeking and disrespectful.
Looksmaxxer branded “bully” after ‘mogging’ man on subway
The backlash didn’t exclusively come from other social media users. Also, a lookmaxxing personality named Adam Stickley condemned the video, stating that it crossed the line from self-improvement to public humiliation.
In a video, Stickley described the behavior as “bullying” and moved on to question why someone promoting confidence and self-improvement needs to compare themselves to a stranger, who had no idea it was filmed.
Discussion of the incident spread rapidly across Reddit and X, where Icarus was even mocked. Some even argued that the passenger being filmed appeared more comfortable and self-assured than the influencer seeking attention.
The original video is no longer visible on Icarus’ Instagram account. He has not publicly responded to the criticism.
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