⚖️ 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

  • Will the MrBeast Brand Survive?

    Will the MrBeast Brand Survive?

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #259 | July 30, 2024 – Grace Stanley, Deputy Editor PERSONALITIES Can MrBeast Be Canceled? A wave of controversies could shake MrBeast’s whole empire. By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Ready to expand your reach—and earnings? Turn your knowledge into an online course today. Teachable creators average six…

  • Skibido Boo, Ah!😱🚽

    Skibido Boo, Ah!😱🚽

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #258 | July 25, 2024 I have a confession to make: I still haven’t watched Skibidi Toilet. I say this despite knowing the deep shame it brings to me and my family here at Passionfruit, as it’s more likely than not that whatever it is that man’s head is doing in the…

  • It’s Brat and Coconut Summer

    It’s Brat and Coconut Summer

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #257 | July 23, 2024 – Grace Stanley, Deputy Editor CULTURE My Night at the Roblox Theater Here’s what I learned watching ‘The Little Mermaid’ in Bloxburg. By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED START YOUR BEAUTY LINE TODAY IN THE BIZ PLATFORMS Coconut Hive, Rise Up: X Isn’t…