TikTok Puppets Called Out for Homophobia

Issue 60 | August 18, 2022

An unusual controversy began brewing last month on TikTok when a puppet who made Star Wars-related content was called out for saying Disney used the “homosexual agenda” to increase profits. As a result, other puppet masters chimed in to denounce the account, Star Wars Dinx, and speak out against anti-LGBTQ puppet content. While the incident seems a bit absurd, Dinx is far from the only puppet to receive backlash for homophobic posts. Passionfruit contributor Steven Asarch spoke to a few puppet creators on TikTok about why puppetry is primed for the algorithm—and consequently, bad actors.

– Daysia Tolentino, Passionfruit Editor

SEEKING A TREND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD

Anti-LGBTQ creators cause a rift in the TikTok puppet community

“When you think of puppets, you think of inclusive, Sesame Street, everybody holds hands and be happy.”

By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor

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FROM THE INSIDE

Twitch star Imane ‘Pokimane’ Anys describes co-founding talent management firm RTS with Stuart Saw

“I learned a lot of lessons from my own personal challenges as a creator.”

By Grace Stanley, Passionfruit Reporter

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IN THE BIZ

Instagram’s recent attempts to roll out more features akin to TikTok were a part of a greater project, codenamed Panavision, to mimic and compete with the short-form video app. (via the Information)
Here’s why the internet can’t stop talking about Andrew Tate. (via NBC News)
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland are suing Triller for $28 million in missing acquisition payments. The app bought the musicians’ series, Verzuz, last year. (via the Washington Post)