Life WTF

Popular Instagram Model Vanishes From Social Media, Leaves Fans Baffled

Popular Instagram Model Vanishes From Social Media, Leaves Fans Baffled August 27, 2018

instagram model disappeared

Even if you don’t know Claire Abbott by name, there’s a good chance you’ve seen her photos. But one day, the popular Instagram model disappeared without an explanation...

The Face That Launched 1,000 Follows

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott

Claire Abbott was only 15 when she started posting selfies on the internet. Along with a few posts on Facebook, she shared a little about herself, such as her love of ice cream  and the song “Unaware” by Allen Stone. But she couldn’t have anticipated the following she’d develop.

Taking Instagram by Storm

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] Eventually, Abbott migrated from Facebook to Instagram. It’s not uncommon for teenagers to want to share themselves with the world, but what was unusual was the level of attention Abbott soon won. While all her peers were hoping for a few likes and follows, her Instagram account began racking up thousands.

A View of Her World

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
In addition to posting pictures of herself, Abbott also shared her interests and hobbies. She provided details on her health and fitness regimen as well as her fashion choices. These posts were generally well received, and Claire began sharing more often.

Keeping It Real

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
In spite of the pressure to look her best, Abbott tried to keep her photos as real as possible. This meant no Photoshop or other methods to unnaturally enhance her appearance. This desire for authenticity helped her following grow even more quickly.

Fashion First

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] Tied to her desire for authenticity was Abbott’s goal to show off her signature style. She considered her photos to be a reflection of her personality, and felt her clothing choices showed who she was. As people responded positively, she felt she was being accepted.

A Woman of Many Talents

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: YouTube/claireabbottsmusic
Taking photos wasn’t Abbott’s only passion. She was also interested in developing her musical talents, learning to play instruments and singing. She didn’t share a lot of this online, because her Instagram instead mostly focused on beauty. But it was always something she cared about.

The Male Gaze

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
It became very clear to Abbott that her viewers were primarily interested in appreciating her body. The bulk of her audience was men, and she’d get more engagement when posing in skimpy outfits. Eager to increase her internet fame, Abbott posted more of these kinds of pics.

The Modeling World Comes Calling

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] As Abbott’s fame grew, her Instagram hobby ended up becoming a part-time job. She got offers from a film and art website, which used her face in promotional materials. This brought in cash and helped push Abbott further into the limelight.

Steady Growth

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
Before long, Abbott had amassed an impressive following of more than 300,000 followers on Instagram and 20,000 on Facebook. This was turning into an incredible adventure, and she couldn’t wait to see where she was going to end up next.

Paid Promotions

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
With this kind of fame comes plenty of opportunities for earning money. Abbott had opportunities to promote all kinds of products, from protein shakes to eyeliner. It was easy money, and it expanded Abbott’s horizons, so she eagerly took many of the products that were offered to her.

The Wild Card

IMAGE BY: Instagram/danbilzerian
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] Abbott started dating a famous poker player and millionaire, Dan Bilzerian. The two seemed to be enjoying themselves, and pictures circulated online showing their adventures together. Abbott’s life was an open book, as she shared herself with her followers, making them aware of both the ups and the downs.

A Life Unfiltered

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
Abbott’s dedication to an authentic view of her world included openly discussing her struggles with mental health and anxiety. She posted about hospital stays dealing with bipolar disorder and depression. She also documented her recovery as she worked to overcome her illnesses.

The Vanishing Act

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
Not long after opening up about her depression, Abbott took an unexpected step. She purged her social media, deleting her Instagram account and her Facebook page. Even her Twitter disappeared, leaving no trace of her interactions with her once mighty fanbase.

Where'd She Go?

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] Fans wondered why Abbott had disappeared. Many cared about her well-being and hoped she was doing OK. The most likely reason for the disappearance seemed to be that Abbott simply needed space in order to continue to overcome her mental-health challenges.

Beware of Imitators

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
In the vacuum left by Abbott’s departure, imposters were eager to play pretend. Several fake accounts were set up, attempting to catch a little of her glory through posting old pictures that still circulated around the internet. While Abbott had gone, her legacy was impossible to erase.

The Long Silence

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
For a long time, nobody knew what had happened. Theories proliferated, but there was no real explanation as to where Abbott might be and what she was doing. But her pictures continued to appear on all sorts of sites, including many that used her image for clickbait.

The Sightings Begin

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] During this period of silence, rumors swirled that Abbott was active in the world, pursuing her musical dreams. She was spotted at open mic nights in Toronto and Boston. Few knew how reliable the rumors were until Abbott made her triumphant return.

A Change of Career

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
When Abbott came back, she didn’t return to Instagram. Instead, she appeared on YouTube, singing covers of various songs, and playing the guitar and keyboard. Many of her fans rejoiced at her return, especially as they’d had no idea she had so much musical talent.

An Explanation at Last

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
Abbott finally revealed the secret to her sudden departure. She explained she’d wanted to change direction. She was tired of modelling and taking photos. She wanted to try something different. So she focused on music instead.

Pulling the Plug

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] It was her desire to become a musician that Abbott closed down all her social media. She’d hoped the bold move would be enough to grab people’s attention so that when she started making music videos, fans would sit up and listen. The strategy certainly worked.

Musical Cover

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
At first, Abbott stuck to cover versions. These included Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love,” Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and Bob Marley’s “Is This Love,” among others. Pretty soon, Abbott was a musical sensation.

Setting Fire to the Rain

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
Abbott’s most popular cover was Adele’s theme from “Skyfall.” While most of Abbott’s videos earned several thousand views, her version of “Skyfall” racked up more than 40,000. It also earned plenty of very positive comments.

Making Original Music

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] Eventually, Abbott partnered with musician Phlex to create “Fighter,” her first original song. This was a fun, upbeat piece of music that she poured her heart and soul into. Her viewers loved it and were eager to tell her how much they enjoyed her singing.

Another Exit

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
But just as suddenly as Abbott returned from her online hiatus, she disappeared again. While her YouTube channel still exists, all of her videos have been deleted. It seems that, yet again, Abbott had decided to burn everything to the ground, including her own original song.

The Mystery Continues

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
What could possibly have caused Abbott to disappear yet again? As with her first vanishing act, plenty of people are eager to concoct half-baked theories. She could be struggling with mental health concerns again and need space. Or perhaps she’s simply in need of another change. For now, there’s no answer.

Hope Lives On

instagram model disappeared
IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] The fact that Abbott disappeared once before, only to return with some exciting new ideas and content, suggests she could do it again. She’s already proven she has plenty of talents that she’s kept hidden. So who knows what she’ll come up with next? Only time will tell.

Don't Underestimate Her

IMAGE BY: Instagram/claire_abbott
It’s clear Abbott is somebody special. She’s built herself an online following twice in the past. And while she’s often eager to try new things, she doesn’t mind getting a fresh start when necessary to explore and experiment. Let’s hope she’s doing well wherever she is.