Shabaz Ali, a former chemistry teacher turned social media commentator, has expanded his critique of wealth and privilege from viral videos to television with a new BBC documentary examining the role and impact of billionaires in society.

Ali, 32, first gained prominence during the COVID-19 lockdown when he began posting sarcastic reactions on TikTok, highlighting the extravagant and often tone-deaf displays of wealth showcased by some influencers. His commentaries, which have accumulated more than 4 million followers and 30 million views on some posts, focus on the stark divide between affluent lifestyles and the experiences of ordinary people. Ali refers to his audience with the reclaimed term “povvo,” British slang for working-class, reflecting his own upbringing in Blackburn.

In his documentary, "Shabaz Asks: Are Billionaires Bad?", Ali explores whether the concentration of extreme wealth is a symptom of systemic social and economic issues, or if billionaires can serve a positive role. He expresses frustration with the growing wealth gap and the ways in which billionaires acquire and accumulate assets. “I genuinely think 90% of them don’t care,” Ali said, suggesting that being a billionaire is incompatible with being a good person.

Ali attempted to engage several high-profile billionaires and celebrities, including members of the Kardashian family, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Beyoncé, for interviews. While some acknowledged his requests, none agreed to participate. Instead, the documentary features voices on both sides of the debate, such as Zack Polanski of the Green Party, whom Ali commended for his outspoken stance against billionaires across the political spectrum.

The filmmaker also traveled to Vail, Colorado, to meet Phones 4U founder John Caudwell. Despite Ali’s skepticism, he described Caudwell as personable but seemingly unaware of his own privilege. Caudwell remarked that influencing government policy is challenging, noting a meeting with Labour leader Keir Starmer that did not result in political change.

Ali’s experiences during filming reinforced his belief that society does not require billionaires and that greater wealth redistribution is necessary. He advocates for increased taxation on the ultra-rich, including levies on assets such as yachts and diamonds, dismissing concerns that taxing billionaires more heavily would drive them out of the UK.

Looking ahead, Ali suggests that public frustration with economic inequality is reaching a critical juncture. “People are so sick of wealth inequality,” he said, drawing a parallel to historical moments of upheaval. His documentary will air on BBC Three on the evening of July 28 and will be accessible on iPlayer.