Saudi influencer says Georgina Rodriguez gave her the ‘evil eye’ at perfume event
<p>A short interaction at a high-profile fragrance launch in Riyadh has ignited heated online conversation, after Saudi influencer <strong>Al Anoud Al Yousef</strong> claimed that <strong>Georgina Rodriguez</strong>, the global model and partner of football legend <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong>, gave her the “evil eye” during a promotional appearance. The encounter, which lasted only seconds, has fueled cultural, social and entertainment debate across Saudi social media platforms, quickly becoming one of the week’s most talked-about topics.</p><p>The incident occurred during the launch event for <strong>“Sense”</strong>, a new perfume created by Rodriguez in partnership with Saudi fragrance label <strong>Laverne</strong>, held at a luxury venue in Riyadh. The event drew celebrities, influencers, media personalities, and perfume enthusiasts from across the Gulf, positioning the release as an important part of Rodriguez’s expanding business ventures in the region.</p><h3><strong>A perfume demonstration goes wrong</strong></h3><p>Among the attendees was beauty and lifestyle influencer <strong>Al Anoud Al Yousef</strong>, who approached Rodriguez on stage for a promotional perfume-spray moment — common at product launches where influencers capture video for social media.</p><p>According to Al Yousef and footage shared online, Rodriguez accidentally sprayed perfume directly into the influencer’s eyes during the demonstration. In the video, Al Yousef is seen blinking rapidly and tearing up while standing beside Rodriguez, who appeared momentarily surprised yet composed.</p><p>Within minutes, clips from the event circulated on X (Twitter), Instagram and Snapchat, sparking a wave of commentary. What might have been perceived as a simple accident quickly escalated into a cultural debate after Al Yousef suggested that the moment was caused not only by perfume but possibly by the <strong>“evil eye”</strong>, a belief in negative energy transmitted through jealousy or envy.</p><h3><strong>Accusations via social media</strong></h3><p>Following the event, Al Yousef posted a short message referencing the incident:<br><i>“I feel like telling her to say ‘mashallah’. She kept looking at my eyes the whole event.”</i></p><p>The post immediately triggered thousands of reactions. Supporters of the influencer argued that the intense gaze seen in the video appeared uncomfortable and might reflect envy or tension. Others dismissed the claims as exaggerated drama created to generate views and attention in the competitive world of influencer marketing.</p><p>One user wrote:<br><i>“Georgina gave you the evil eye — she was staring straight at your eyes before the spray.”</i></p><p>Meanwhile, many defended Rodriguez, saying the spray was clearly accidental and that linking it to superstition was unnecessary.<br><i>“It was just perfume, not magic,”</i> another commenter posted. <i>“Things like this happen.”</i></p><h3><strong>Cultural context and symbolism</strong></h3><p>Belief in the <strong>evil eye</strong> — known as <i>ain</i> — is deeply rooted in Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures, often associated with misfortune caused by envy or excessive admiration. The phrase <strong>“mashallah”</strong> is traditionally used to dispel envy or protect someone from harm.</p><p>The influencer’s statement tapped into a familiar cultural concept that resonates strongly with audiences in the region, adding emotional weight to what would otherwise be treated as a harmless accident.</p><h3><strong>Public reaction and celebrity dynamics</strong></h3><p>The controversy once again highlights the global visibility and polarizing attention surrounding <strong>Georgina Rodriguez</strong>, who has become a prominent cultural figure in Saudi Arabia since Cristiano Ronaldo joined <strong>Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr</strong> in 2023. Rodriguez regularly attends charity events, launches, and business showcases across the Kingdom.</p><p>For many observers, the moment reflects the intense scrutiny placed on celebrities and influencers in the age of real-time social media, where even minor interactions can spiral into public disputes.</p><p>Some social media users questioned whether the drama was intentionally amplified for publicity, with several suggesting that the viral clip may actually help boost sales of the new fragrance.</p><h3><strong>No official response yet</strong></h3><p>As of now, neither <strong>Rodriguez</strong> nor <strong>Laverne</strong> has publicly commented on the allegations. Event footage shows Rodriguez remaining calm after the spray accident, continuing the product presentation without interruption.</p><p>Influencer communities remain divided, with some calling for a formal clarification and others urging the public not to turn superstition into controversy.</p><h3><strong>A moment that captured the region’s attention</strong></h3><p>While the interaction itself lasted just a few seconds, it has sparked broader conversations about cultural beliefs, social media influence, public perception, and how quickly narratives unfold online.</p><p>Whether viewed as a misunderstanding, a publicity stunt, or a reflection of deeply held beliefs, the viral episode underscores the powerful intersection between celebrity culture and cultural identity in the Gulf.</p>