An influencer’s holiday photo prank has sparked heated debate online, dividing opinions between humor and disrespect. Amanda Cooper, a U.S.-based fashion and travel influencer with over 15,000 Instagram followers, shared a family tradition with a twist that quickly went viral. Each year, Cooper’s mother, Melynda King, organizes a holiday family photo shoot. This year, Cooper and her siblings decided to inject humor by secretly flipping off the camera during the portrait.
Using “hippopotamus” as a codeword, Cooper instructed everyone to shout, “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!” just before the shot. In a now-viral Instagram Reel with over 19 million views, their unsuspecting mother posed alongside her mischievous children. Surprisingly, King laughed at the prank, calling it “absolutely hilarious.”
However, reactions online were mixed. Critics called the gesture disrespectful, arguing it undermined the effort mothers invest in organizing family traditions. “It’s sad for moms just trying to get their families together,” one commenter lamented.
Supporters applauded the family’s humor and creativity, praising their tight-knit bond. “I love seeing families who can laugh together!” one fan wrote. The prank, though polarizing, highlights how humor can bring families closer—while sparking spirited discussion online.
