⚖️ 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

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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

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

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By Rachel Kiley, Passionfruit Contributor


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TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

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