😨 Is TikTok’s ‘Scar Girl’ Faking Her Scar for Clout?

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER

Issue #103 | Jan. 26, 2023

This week for Passionfruit, writer Rebekah Harding explores the case of a TikToker known as “Scar Girl” who sparked a viral debate this month. Gaining notoriety for her viral lip-syncing videos, the TikToker, Annie Bonelli (@wtmab), garnered praise from viewers for proudly flaunting a thin scar across her cheek.

However, others voiced suspicions about whether her scar was real or just a ploy to set herself apart from the oversaturated community of lip-syncing accounts on the app. Users cited dramatic changes in the size, color, and placement of the scar, with criticisms picking up traction in January.

While “Scar Girl” denies these allegations, she seems to be cashing in on the views, comments, and responses generated from the controversy she sparked regardless. Read more about her story below.

– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor

THE DARK SIDE

‘It never fully went away, and neither did my insecurities’: People think influencer known for facial scar is faking it for clout

“Not trying to be a bully, but it’s just hard to believe.”

By Rebekah Harding, Passionfruit Contributor

→ READ THE FULL STORY

Become a speed demon with the fastest keyboard on the market

The next stage of keyboard evolution is here. The Razer Huntsman lineup has redefined the boundaries of precision and speed for a performance you’ve never seen before. Learn more about each Huntsman to find your weapon of choice.

GEAR UP

ONE GREAT TIP

“People don’t care if you mess up something, misspell a word, etc. They have their own lives to worry about. No one is churning through your content with a fine-toothed comb. If you made something entertaining, then you’ve done well, and being a perfectionist ends up working against you.”

—YouTuber Ice Cream Sandwich on avoiding perfectionism. Read more in our March 2022 interview.

TIPS AND TRICKS

YouTube icon Lachlan Power shares business tips for creators

“Flexibility and speed were crucial for me in my early days.”

By Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor

READ THE FULL STORY →

TOKWATCH

‘Why aren’t influencers honest anymore?’ Mikayla Nogueira accused of misleading viewers with false lashes in sponsored mascara TikTok

“The tendency of the beauty industry is emotionally driven consumption.”

By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

IN THE BIZ

  • Twitch released a letter about its 2023 plans, including new tools and analytics features.
  • Creator boxing tournament “Creator Clash” is returning in April. (via Tubefilter)
  • Meta is paying BuzzFeed millions to attract creators to its platform. (via the Wall Street Journal)
  • Gaming creators Ludwig, Quarter Jade, and NorthernLion are helping to develop a racing game for Twitch and YouTube. (via Tubefilter)
  • Metaverse land developer LandVault signed to Creative Artists Agency. (via the Block)
  • The internet is enraptured with a Tarte-sponsored influencer trip to Dubai. (via Time)
  • YouTube legends Hank and John Green are promoting lower-cost higher education through YouTube courses. (via BuzzFeed News)
  • A menswear Twitter influencer appears to be on everyone’s feeds. (via the Daily Dot)
  • TikTok is expanding its direct messaging tools. (via the Information)

TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

The Office nostalgia audio is fueling our TikTok feeds.

Content for Creators.

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

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • The Tech Ivory Tower Isn’t All It’s Made Out To Be

    The Tech Ivory Tower Isn’t All It’s Made Out To Be

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #203 | January 16, 2024 Tech layoffs have been constantly crossing our headlines this week. Just yesterday, Google suddenly laid off over 1,000 employees. On Jan. 10, Amazon laid off a whopping 500 people at Twitch, nearly 35% of its staff. On Jan. 11, it was also discovered that Amazon laid off…

    By

    Grace Stanley

  • The TikTok Feminism Leaving Fox News’ Body in the Elephant Graveyard of Cable Television

    The TikTok Feminism Leaving Fox News’ Body in the Elephant Graveyard of Cable Television

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #202 | January 11, 2024 Show of hands: How many of us still have, like, television? I don’t mean the physical object, because this isn’t a poll about whether you own a tv (though that was a fun thing to be mad about in 2014!). Owning a 67″ Samsung OLED 4K flatscreen…

    By

    Drew Grant

  • YouTube’s Union Battle With Contractors

    YouTube’s Union Battle With Contractors

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #201 | January 9, 2024 Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced a decision that Google, YouTube’s owner, is pretty unhappy about, according to an appeal filed this week. The NLRB is the federal agency that protects the rights of employees to collectively bargain for things like better working conditions…

    By

    Grace Stanley