UK reality TV star criticised for ‘selling promotional PS5 for £1200 profit’
Made in Chelsea actor says he preferred his PS4
A UK reality television star has been criticised for claiming on social media that he sold a promotional PlayStation 5 console for £1200 profit.
James Taylor, who is a cast member of reality show Made in Chelsea, appeared to thank “PlayingStation” (sic) for gifting him the widely sold out PS5 console in an Instagram story on Friday.
The next day, the influencer – who reportedly drives a Ferrari and claims to own a private plane – said he’d sold the console for “£1200 profit” because he preferred his PS4.
With many consumers struggling to obtain a PS5 this week and a significant rise in auction site scalping, Taylor has been criticised for what some have called poor taste posts.
One Restera user wrote: “It seems especially in poor taste given the current climate, where PS5 stock is flying out and where the majority of consumers have not and likely will not be able to get one before Christmas.”
Another user wrote: “It’s probably allowed? But it’s certainly disrespectful. I mean, sure they gave it to him as part of a marketing stunt, but he should at least learn to appreciate the privileges he has.
“Given that he’s not exactly poor, it just seems altogether childish. I’d get it if you know, you couldn’t afford rent but Sony sent you a PS5. You gotta’ do what you gotta’ do, but this isn’t that.”
With console availability failing to satisfy launch demand, PS5 scalpers are currently seeking to cash in by selling them at extortionate prices on marketplaces like eBay, where a significant number of consoles have already been sold for more than double their retail price.
UK highstreet retailer CEX is even offering to buy standard PS5 consoles for £600 – £150 more than their retail price – which they say they will sell on for £750.
This week multiple UK-based Amazon customers claimed that their PlayStation 5 consoles did not arrive on launch day, or that they instead received erroneous items such as coffee machines or cat food.
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