⚖️ Cease and Desist Ignites Debate on TikTok

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER


Days after Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel made headlines for suing TikTok for allowing the use of her image in counterfeit ads, Frankel went viral on the platform for going to greater lengths to protect her image. The reality television star sent cease and desists to creators she believed were misrepresenting her non-profit and businesses in their content, including smaller pop culture TikToker Meredith Lynch. 

Numerous creators came to Lynch’s defense as a result, criticizing Frankel for trying to “silence” smaller creators who are critical of her and have fewer resources to defend themselves in a court of law. Defamation suits have been increasingly used to combat disinformation coming out of inflammatory online gossip and commentary channels, such as in the case of the blogger Tasha K and Cardi B. However, independent pop culture commentators on platforms like TikTok have expressed concerns that celebrities will utilize lawsuits to come after creators who have negative opinions about them. In the case of Frankel and Lynch, Passionfruit reporter Grace Stanley unpacked the discourse that unfolded on TikTok—and shared what creators thought about the cease and desist.


TOKWATCH

Bethenny Frankel sends TikTok creator Meredith Lynch a cease and desist, sparking debate

woman with caption "well that's a wrap on this former housewife!" (l) "apparently you can't express your opinion on this app" (c) "How wealthy people bully small creators" (r)

ONE GREAT TIP


TIPS & TRICKS

jack wright

TikToker Jack Wright shares what he learned from the Hype House, online toxicity, and acting

“I think fan bases can see right through the screen.”

By Grace Stanley, Passionfruit Reporter


TOOLS REVIEW

Girl with pink hair sitting cross-legged in front of her closet and filming an unboxing video on her iphone, held up by a tripod

Everything you need to make unboxing videos or product reviews on YouTube

Viewers are counting on leaving with a realistic takeaway of your featured product.

By Rachel Kiley, Passionfruit Contributor


IN THE BIZ


TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • 🎤Dixie D’Amelio’s Latest Music Video

    🎤Dixie D’Amelio’s Latest Music Video

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 57 | August 9, 2022 When you’re as big as the D’Amelios, there is no shortage of brands that want to partner with you. For the video for her song “Someone to Blame,” Dixie D’Amelio partnered with photo and video app developer Lightricks to get her fans involved in her music…

  • 🦁‘Lion King’ in Minecraft

    🦁‘Lion King’ in Minecraft

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 56 | August 4, 2022 The creativity of Minecraft users is limitless and awe-inspiring, to say the least. They’ve recreated Westeros, landmarks, and even a working library dedicated to freedom of the press. Now, there’s a burgeoning theater scene that holds in-game productions of various plays and musicals, including Disney’s Lion…

  • 🎮 Ninja Gives His Best Advice for Creators

    🎮 Ninja Gives His Best Advice for Creators

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 55 | August 2, 2022 Ninja is one of the most prolific streamers in the world, with a whopping 18.3 million followers on Twitch. The scale of his success is aspirational for many creators, but it came after years of grinding and working up to 18 hours a day. Now, he…