Imane Anys, known as Pokimane, surprised fans after buying herself an engagement ring, sparking a wave of discussion online. The Canadian streamer, popular on Twitch and social media, said she got tired of waiting for a proposal and decided to take matters into her own hands.
Pokimane revealed the news on TikTok, explaining that fans had inspired her decision after responding to an earlier video.
“The person that you are ‘engaged to’ the most in your entire lifetime is your damn self,” she said. Her new ring comes from Bulgari’s Serpenti collection, featuring a one-coil white gold band set with diamonds.
The announcement quickly gained attention on social media. Many fans praised Pokimane for promoting self-love and empowerment. On TikTok, users celebrated her independence, with one writing, “This is what she loves about women’s empowerment,” and another encouraging people to buy their own rings. Fans also urged each other to prioritize personal happiness.
Not everyone agreed with her choice, however. On X (formerly Twitter), some critics called the gesture “cringe” or questioned the idea of buying your own engagement ring. Podcaster and streamer Keemstar criticized the move, while other users mocked the act online. One person asked, “How desperate do you have to be to post something like this?”
This isn’t the first time Pokimane has stirred conversation online. In 2022, Twitch temporarily banned her for 48 hours after she streamed TV episodes without proper licensing. She has also faced criticism for misusing slang, including issues related to AAVE, and for a short viral clip where she joked, “women belong in the kitchen,” which she later apologized for.
More recently, in late 2023, Pokimane attracted attention for comments about her snack brand, where she referred to some of her viewers as “broke,” causing backlash among fans.
Despite mixed reactions, Pokimane’s engagement ring purchase highlights a growing trend of self-love and independence, particularly among influencers and content creators. Many see it as a statement that personal happiness and self-care can come before societal expectations about relationships or proposals.
Fans continue to debate the act online, with some applauding her bold move and others criticizing it as unnecessary. The discussion shows how public figures’ personal choices can spark both admiration and controversy in the digital age.
