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The Matilda Djerf Toilet-Scrubbing Scandal: The Shocking Truth Behind the Internet's New Obsession

  • Writer: By Nontobeko Kolstad
    By Nontobeko Kolstad
  • Jan 29
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 18

In the glitzy world of Scandinavian fashion influencers, Matilda Djerf reigns supreme. Known for her effortlessly tousled hair, dreamy pastel wardrobe, and minimalist aesthetic, Djerf has cultivated an image of modern perfection. But this December, her pristine public persona was unexpectedly thrust into chaos in a scandal that even her most loyal fans couldn’t have predicted.



It all began with what seemed like a harmless behind-the-scenes video posted by a now-former assistant on TikTok. The assistant, whose identity remains anonymous but who has since gone viral as “@ScandiTeaSpiller,” shared footage of Matilda in her Stockholm home.


The video, initially charming with scenes of Matilda prepping her signature cinnamon buns, took a sharp turn when it showed the influencer furiously scrubbing her bathroom toilet—and not in the way you’d expect from someone who’s the face of curated perfection.


In the footage, Matilda was heard muttering under her breath about a “guest” who left an unpleasant surprise. But it wasn’t the toilet-cleaning itself that caused the scandal; it was the context. Fans quickly noticed luxury cleaning products by boutique brands like Aesop and Diptyque, leading to a flurry of commentary online about performative wealth.


More damaging, however, were allegations in the comments from the assistant that Matilda demanded her team take turns scrubbing toilets after photoshoots at her apartment—a claim Matilda has denied.


The assistant’s now-deleted follow-up video included screenshots of messages allegedly from Djerf asking her team to clean up after events, suggesting they help maintain “the vibe” of her brand. Critics pounced on the contradiction: how could someone who preaches self-love and work-life balance be asking assistants to perform tasks outside of their job descriptions?


The Backlash:


Social media exploded, with hashtags like #DjerfDuty and #ScandiScandal trending worldwide. Fans and detractors alike debated whether the influencer’s actions were simply a part of running a small business or indicative of exploitation. The scandal even sparked broader discussions about the unglamorous reality of influencer culture—how much of it is authentic, and how much is staged for the perfect Instagram grid?

Djerf quickly issued a statement on Instagram Stories, clarifying that the footage had been taken without her consent and explaining that she prefers to handle household tasks herself to maintain her space. “It’s my home, and I’m responsible for it,” she wrote, “but I would never ask anyone to do something they weren’t comfortable with. My team’s well-being is my top priority.” She also emphasized her commitment to transparency and respect.


The Fallout:


While some followers applauded her for addressing the issue, others found her response lacking. Several former employees anonymously shared their experiences online, claiming that the influencer’s home-based brand blurred professional boundaries. Others argued this was a petty attack on an entrepreneur who built her empire from scratch.

To make matters worse, Matilda’s detractors pointed to her carefully cultivated “relatable” persona as being at odds with the image of a wealthy boss asking assistants to clean up. “How authentic can someone be when everything’s designed for aesthetics?” one commenter wrote.


The Redemption Arc?:


As of now, Matilda Djerf seems determined to weather the storm. She’s doubled down on her values of kindness and transparency, recently donating a portion of her company’s holiday sales to organizations supporting workers’ rights. She’s also promised an “open dialogue” with her audience about what it means to balance business and ethics.

Meanwhile, the internet remains divided. Some fans have moved on, seeing the scandal as overblown, while others have taken this moment to reevaluate the influencer culture at large. For Matilda, the stakes are high: can she scrub away the stain of this scandal and restore her pristine reputation? Only time—and perhaps a few PR miracles—will tell.

One thing’s for sure: the Matilda Djerf Toilet-Scrubbing Scandal is a reminder that even the most polished personas can’t escape a good, old-fashioned internet uproar.



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