Gemma Collins 'charged fan £12 for selfie' at her salon prior to CBB appearance
CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER'S Gemma Collins has been called out for reportedly charging a young fan £12 to pose in a picture with her.
Before she went into the house Gemma Collins was charging her fans for a selfie
Former Big Brother contestant Alex Sibley claims that the CBB star asked his friend's daughter to cough up for a selfie, when she visited her boutique store in Essex.
The former housemate posted the picture on Twitter with the accompanying caption: "It's true that Gemma Collins did charge £12 for this photo @Lollalou had it happen to her daughter too."
He also altered his Twitter profile to read: "If you meet me, I won't charge you £12 for a selfie unlike Gemma Collins from TOWIE."
Gemma's people have responded and say that the TOWIE star's time is precious, and as a result she sometimes requests that customers make a small purchase from the store in exchange for a photo.
It's true that Gemma Collins did charge £12 for this photo @Lollalou had it happen to her daughter too pic.twitter.com/3cVPREh1us
— Alex Sibley (@zlistsiBBley) January 26, 2016
The CBB star's people say that fans are asked to buy something from her store
The statement reads: "Gemma loves nothing more than spending time in her boutique, styling customers but it can get particularly busy on the weekends…
"In order to keep the queue moving during busy periods, we sometimes operate product signings where customers are asked to buy something before meeting Gemma for an autograph/selfie."
The statement continues: "Gemma has a very good relationship with her fans and many are now regulars who Gemma takes out for meals, drinks…"
For the record.... Thanks all for your support. Love you all. @gemCBoutique ?????????????????? pic.twitter.com/5Dpw4ZgbMA
— Gemma Collins (@missgemcollins) January 27, 2016
The TOWIE star is getting a bad rep inside the house for her diva like ways
Meanwhile, Gemma's popularity in the house is on the decline, after she made housemates suffer through cold showers so she could get her hair styled - and still managed to moan about it.
Several arguments with Stephanie Davis have also almost resulted in Gemma walking out with pal Daniella Westbrook in tow.
Express.co.uk has contacted Gemma's people for a comment.
Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on Channel 5.
Gemma and Danniella Westbrook have almost stormed out of the house twice