CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER
Issue #109 | Feb. 16, 2023
Influencer public breakups and divorces tend to get messy. A recent example was in September 2022, when Ned Fulmer, a member of the YouTube collective Try Guys, faced viral scrutiny for an extra-marital affair he had with a co-worker. The high-stakes story led many fans to take sides—in vocal and even abusive ways.
A new public breakup case is currently engulfing Félix Lengyel (@xQc) and Samantha Lopez (@AdeptTheBest) in controversy. Even though they never officially married, according to documents obtained by Passionfruit, Lopez is claiming the pair entered a common law marriage in the state of Texas, and now she’s filing for divorce.
Both Lengyel and Lopez report they are suffering from harassment from fans due to the public nature of the breakup. While much remains uncertain regarding the specifics of Lopez and Lengyel’s situation, what unfolded, according to court documents, shows the perils of sharing your relationship online—and the fan harassment, career instability, and economic uncertainty that might follow.
– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor
THE DARK SIDE
Streamers xQc and Adept embroiled in messy divorce case—even though they were never officially married
What unfolded, according to court documents, shows the perils of having a very public breakup as an influencer.
By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor
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ONE GREAT TIP
“If you are a creator nowadays, you are a small business. I really hope all creators—whether they’re managed or not—look at themselves as that. What is your output? What are your rates? Are you making sure that your rates are growing as your fanbase is growing?”
—Whalar executive Victoria Bachan on entreprenuership. Read more in our March 2022 interview.
SEEKING A TREND
Can travel bloggers create ethical content, and if so, how?
Multiple travel creators spoke with Passionfruit about cultural sensitivity and best practices for travel content.
By Anmol Irfan, Passionfruit Contributor
TOK WATCH
TikTokers are talking to their (hypothetical) ancestors in this new trend
‘We are breaking generational cycles over here.’
By Tricia Crimmins, Passionfruit Contributor
IN THE BIZ
- TwitchCon is heading to Paris and Las Vegas in 2023.
- Instagram is considering paid verification badges. (via TechCrunch)
- TikTok added dedicated feeds for topics like sports, fashion, and gaming. (via TechCrunch)
- TikTok is also testing an option to reset your For You page algorithm. (via the Verge)
- Reddit has its sight set on going public. (via the Information)
- Influencer Tracy Anderson is facing scrutiny for her “cutthroat fitness empire.” (via Insider)
- Roblox revenue is soaring. (via the Information)
- Instagram launched a new broadcast chat feature, “Channels.” (via TechCrunch)
- YouTube’s CEO Susan Wojcicki stepped down after nine years. (via the Verge)
TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT
This latest viral AI filter turns you into a painting.
