EDMONTON, Alberta – A family shopping trip at Costco’s 91 Street branch in Edmonton ended in embarrassment for Instagram influencer and author Duncan Kiige, after he was publicly accused of shoplifting a packet of Babybel cheese.
The incident, which witnesses described as both “awkward” and “humiliating,” unfolded in front of Kiige’s wife and three children, sparking debate about the gap between polished online personas and real-world behavior.
The Alleged Cheese Tampering
According to store staff, Kiige was spotted on surveillance cameras opening a multi-pack of Babybel cheese, sampling some, and then attempting to conceal the rest before returning the tampered packet to the shelf. Employees quickly confronted him on the shop floor, drawing attention from nearby shoppers.
One employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:
“We saw him eat the cheese and pocket a few pieces. At Costco, our policy is clear—tampering with products is theft. We apply that rule to everyone, regardless of who they are.”
Witnesses: Children Left Stunned
Customers at the store say the confrontation was difficult to watch, particularly because Kiige’s young children were present. “It was shocking,” a shopper recalled. “Here’s someone admired online, and suddenly his kids are seeing him accused of stealing. It broke the image completely.”
Costco Tight-Lipped, Employees Firm
Costco’s management declined to issue an official statement, but frontline staff emphasized that the company enforces a strict zero-tolerance approach. “Membership is a privilege, not a right,” one employee told reporters. “Respecting the rules is non-negotiable, even for public figures.”
Reputation on the Line
For Kiige, who has styled himself as a government consultant, motivational author, and digital influencer, the fallout could be significant. Social media commentators have already seized on the incident, with many questioning whether his credibility as a thought leader and brand partner has been permanently damaged.
As one Costco staffer put it bluntly:
“Cheese or not, stealing is stealing. An influencer title doesn’t change that.”
The incident has sparked widespread discussion online, with critics suggesting the scandal may mark a turning point for Kiige’s once carefully curated public image.
Adapted from Bizmart Canada
