CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER
Issue 76 | October 18, 2022
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.
– Daysia Tolentino, Passionfruit Editor
TOKWATCH
Bethenny Frankel sends TikTok creator Meredith Lynch a cease and desist, sparking debate
“Someone who has become famous for speaking her mind and giving her opinion is now shutting down influencers.”
By Grace Stanley, Passionfruit Reporter
ONE GREAT TIP
“It comes with a lot of trial and error, and a lot of practice and experience. I definitely dove very far into that side of things when I started off. Doing YouTube all day every day and grinding yourself into dust is not healthy.”
—YouTuber Jacksepticeye on setting boundaries. Read more in our September 2022 interview.
TIPS & TRICKS
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
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
- A new survey of 14,500 teens showed that young people’s favorite influencer is… Andrew Tate. (via Piper Sandler)
- Jellysmack launched a full-service production unit, JellySmash Productions, which purports to help top creators make up to two months of engaging content within a 3-day period.
- The owner of Emmanuel the emu, a TikTok-famous bird, has been warned to stay away from the animal, which is sick with the contagious avian flu. (via NBC News)
TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT
Halloween is almost here. Here’s some inspo for your next costume!
