Ex Towie star Billie Shepherd has split fans after posting photos of her eldest child's no expense spared birthday party this week.
Billie, 35, held a Coachella themed party for her daughter Nelly, 11, last week in homage to the popular American festival. The mum transformed the garden of her home in Essex to keep the festival theme and she hired a DJ and arranged a "surprise" set by a saxophonist. Guests were also treated to a pizza van and a pancake cart, among other food options including a three-tiered cake.
Many fans seemed impressed by the party and took to the comments section of the post to share well wishes. However, not everyone felt that way, with Billie attracting a backlash from some people on the platform this week.
One wrote: "Cannot imagine what the milestone birthdays will look like. Yes they can afford it and good for them, just don't put it on social media." Another said beside a laughing emoji: "Nellychella at 11? Nah p*** off. Too much money."
A third person said: "Hope she has a great birthday but even with your well off status, I'd still tone it down. JMHO." Sharing their thoughts, someone else said: "I'm confused! Loved watching your show but you stopped filming stating Nelly was at an age where you didn't want her in the limelight ... yet here you are opening her up to a whole new level."
Someone wrote: "I think perhaps the issue some people are having are that it can be misconstrued as showing off. There's so many people that can't afford to do much with the current climate as it is, so yes, naturally, people will feel crap and maybe even bitter about it. And that's absolutely okay! It's valid, times are difficult!! Is it extra for an 11 year old, yes, of I had their money, would I do the same, yes!! Yes, we would! I think I'd go about advertising it differently though. But this is my personal opinion.
"So for those that are saying its too much, I agree with you, but for those also wishing them the best and birthday wishes, I also agree with you too! What I don't think is fair, is to see people attacking those that don't agree with it, it's how they feel, yes, it's rude, but that's how they feel and they can't help that."
Responding to that comment, one person wrote: "They don't connect with 'normal people' they like to shove it in peoples faces, they cannot read the room so to speak. The whole family are like that. It's just unnecessary.
"It's not jealousy either because I would still choose not to spoil my children this excessively as they will always expect it. What would be nice is showing them how the poorest of poor are, maybe volunteering? Then showing people how you give back, because without the public following you wouldn't be here."
Fans however came to Billie's defence in the comments section amid the criticism. One wrote: "Love it! What a lucky little Nelly! All those hating, it's her money, she earned it! I'm pretty sure you would do the same for your kids if you could! Jealousy is an awful trait."
Addressing the comment about her posting about the party, another said: "This is her social media though? Surely she can post what she wants here and if you don't like it you can unfollow instead of telling her what to post?"
Someone else said: "Some of these comments are vile, absolutely vile. She's your baby who turned 11, why not spoil her, I would too. Happy 11th birthday to Nelly. She's a loved and adored little girl by her family, how can people be so mean."
