Reesa Teesa Gifted a New Hyundai. Here’s What Happened with the Presumed BMW Deal

BMW is facing backlash after reportedly failing to deliver on a seeming promised car gift to social media influencer Reesa Teesa, known for her viral “Who TF Did I Marry?” TikTok series. The controversy has ignited backlash against the luxury car brand, with many questioning its marketing tactics and commitment to its promises.

But Reesa Teesa, whose real name is Tareasa Johnson, seems to have moved on.

Bye, BMW. Hello, Hyundai

According to Reesa Teesa herself, she had entered into a partnership with Hyundai, which resulted in her receiving a complimentary 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, which retails for a little over $50,000, according to Kelley Blue Book.

The saga began when Reesa Teesa shared in her 50-part TikTok series her desire to own a dark blue BMW X5 with a cognac interior, a dream car she claimed her ex-husband had promised to help purchase. Talk of the deam car surfaced time and time again in the series, with Teesa never getting one. In response to her TikTok posts, BMW seemingly joined the conversation, indicating their intention to gift her the luxury SUV. The car manufacturer even utilized audio of Reesa describing the vehicle in their since-deleted TikTok posts, leading many users to believe that a gift was imminent.

According to Car and Driver, the price of the 2024 BMW X5 starts at $66,195 and goes up to $90,295, depending on the trim and options.

“On our way to find a dark blue BMW X5 with a cognac interior,” BMW captioned in one a video, Atlantic Black Star reported.

Another BMW TikTok post again used her audio, with the caption, “We hear you, ReesaTeesa…Let us do you one better,” as they showed video of the BMW sedan M5 in the colorway she wanted.

However, to the dismay of Reesa Teesa and her supporters, BMW ultimately failed to follow through on its presumed commitment. The company’s decision to use Reesa’s story as part of its marketing campaign, only to retract what some social media observers saw as an offer, has sparked disappoint and outrage on social media.

But Reesa Teesa seems happy with her new Hyundai. In a March 27 TikTok video she teases her followers by announcing she has found “the one.” The perfect campion turns out to be the new car, which she has named Lindsey.

“I just recently partnered with Hyundai and they delivered this car to me, brand, spanking new. And I am so grateful and so excited to drive this thing up and down Atlanta roads and highways. This car is everything. Thank you, thank you Hyundai for being so kind during all if this” then she added a zinger, “and for having proof of funds.”

One user on X/Twitter noted BMW’s “fumble” in not realizing the potential of reaching Reesa Teesa’s 3.5 million followers.

“BMW really fumbled the bag with Reesa Teesa. She confirmed that they are not gifting her with a car and they have removed their TikTok which originally implied that they would. Such a missed opportunity on their part,” said the X/Twitter user.

Reesa Teesa series of how she found her husband was apparently a pathological liar, had, as of March 1, over 437.4 million collective views on TikTok, Time reported.

While it is not known exactly how much she raked in from the video as a monetized TikTok creator, she did land a talent agency — Creative Artists Agency (CAA) — and in February she revealed she will be embarking on a trip to London and Paris. Several companies, such as Marriott, beauty brand Kitsch, Smashbox Cosmetics, Tinder, Adidas, Microsoft, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Five Below, inundated her comments section, extending offers to assist with her travel plans, Time reported.