🔊 Dhar Mann Studios Accused of Cultivating ‘Culture of Fear’

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER

Issue #115 | Mar. 9, 2023

In this week’s highlighted story, we’re exploring viral protests which began in February 2023 against Dhar Mann Studios, a YouTube empire with over 17 million subscribers. 

In interviews with Passionfruit, four actors and creators who worked for the YouTube channel accused the company of not providing what they deem a fair wage; inadequate food and water on set; having 10-hour work days for child actors; conducting a “smear campaign” against them in the wake of their protests; and of perpetuating a “culture of fear” in the workplace that led to actors feeling silenced. A representative for Dhar Mann Studios also spoke with Passionfruit, vehemently denying all of these claims. 

What unfolded illuminates what can happen when a YouTuber transforms into a full-blown media company and the potential perils that follow.

– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor

THE DARK SIDE

Dhar Mann actors allege ‘culture of fear’ underpinning YouTube empire

Four actors spoke with Passionfruit about their protests against the YouTube empire Dhar Mann Studios.

By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor

→ READ THE FULL STORY

Filming yourself has never been easier

Meet SwitchPod: the minimal, versatile handheld tripod. SwitchPod works with any camera, from a phone to a DSLR, and simplifies video making for creators. Lightweight and nearly indestructible, the mini tripod makes it easy to travel to awesome locations for the ultimate photo or video shoots.

MAKE THE SWITCH

ONE GREAT TIP

“Batch filming saves you so much stress. We started 2023 with two episodes already filmed and spent January/February filming 9 more. We essentially have hours of content already in the can and don’t have to scramble for interviews anymore.”

—The creators behind The Editing Podcast on the biggest lesson they’ve learned in 2023.

THE HIGHLIGHT

5 Women’s History TikTokers to follow this International Women’s Day

With hundreds of thousands of years worth of ground to cover, here are just a few of the creators bringing untold women’s histories to light.

By Eve Upton-Clark, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

TIPS AND TRICKS

How a hobby turned into a career: TikTok chef Alejandra Tapia on her rapid rise as a food creator

Alejandra Tapia, also known as @nanajoe19, discusses how she gained and monetized her following on TikTok.

By Adrienne Hunter, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

IN THE BIZ

TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

By popular creator demand, you can now use the green screen filter with other filters!

Content for Creators.

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

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • Why OnlyFans Billboards Are Everywhere

    Why OnlyFans Billboards Are Everywhere

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #344 | May 27, 2025 – Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor PLATFORMS Is Twitch ‘Double Taxing’ Creators’ Income? Twitch hasn’t responded to the backlash. By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED The Best Hoka Shoe Deals This Summer Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to keep your feet cool and comfortable with Hoka shoes. Whether you’re…

    By

    Taylor Lorenz

  • Beware The Chromebook Challenge Panic

    Beware The Chromebook Challenge Panic

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #343 | May 22, 2025 Over the past few weeks, parents, educators, and adults across the country have been in a full-on panic over an alleged TikTok “challenge” called the “Chromebook challenge.” The alleged challenge consists of students inserting metal objects into their school-issued laptops to cause damage and make them spark. But like many social media…

    By

    Taylor Lorenz

  • How to Start a Podcast Without Crying.

    How to Start a Podcast Without Crying.

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #342 | May 20, 2025 – Liz Plank, Passionfruit Contributor PERSONALITIES Outdoor Boys’ Luke Nichols Quits Channel After Becoming Too Famous Nichols admitted that he found the fame difficult. By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED This cannabis startup pioneered “rapid onset” gummies Most people prefer to smoke cannabis, but that isn’t always an option if…

    By

    Liz Plank