Alix Earle Issues Apology for Past Racist Comment: TikTok Star Addresses Controversial Posts
Social media influencer Alix Earle, who skyrocketed to fame last year, has publicly apologized for a racist comment she made online when she was 13 years old.
Earle, now 23, took to her Instagram and TikTok stories on Monday to address the incident, which involved the use of a racial slur in a post from 2014 on the website ask.fm.
Alix Earle Rise to Fame and the Controversy
Earle, a Miami-based content creator, became a prominent figure on social media in 2023 while attending the University of Miami.
She quickly gained a massive following, with over 7 million followers on TikTok and more than 3 million on Instagram.
Earle became widely recognized as the platform’s “it girl,” sharing intimate details of her life through viral “get ready with me” videos and documenting her acne journey.
Her influence was further solidified when she was featured as the cover star for Sports Illustrated’s first digital issue and ranked No. 8 on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the most influential creators.
However, her past came back to haunt her when screenshots of her old ask.fm posts resurfaced online.
The posts, which were originally shared on Reddit two years ago, included a slur used to insult Black people. Earle addressed the controversy after her followers urged her to speak out.
Alix Earle Apology and Reflection
In her apology, Earle expressed deep regret for her actions, acknowledging that, at the time, she did not fully comprehend the offensive nature of the slur.
“That is no excuse for using that word in any context or at any age. That absolutely is not the way I speak or what I stand for,” Earle wrote in her statement.
“I am deeply sorry that my words have hurt many and have led people to believe that I have any prejudice in my heart.”
Earle also reflected on the two-year period since the posts began circulating, admitting that she had allowed “too many people” to dissuade her from addressing the issue sooner.
“There is no one to blame but myself for not standing my ground and going with my gut to speak out right away,” she said.
Addressing the Impact on Her Career
In her statement, Earle also addressed the rumors that had been circulating online, including claims that she had attempted to trademark her old tweets and that she had lost brand deals due to the controversy.
“In the absence of my addressing this, my silence allowed others to fill the void with rumors that simply aren’t true,” she clarified.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about accountability among social media influencers, particularly those who have made racist remarks in the past.
Earle joins a growing list of white influencers who have been called out for their previous comments, including Brooke Schofield, who faced similar scrutiny earlier this month.
The frequency with which these incidents occur has led to frustration among Black creators, many of whom feel that white influencers often do not fully grasp the harm caused by their words.
The Broader Implications for Influencers
The controversy surrounding Alix Earle highlights a recurring issue in the influencer community: the need for greater awareness and accountability regarding past actions.
Many Black creators have expressed exhaustion with the cycle of exposure, apology, and quick forgiveness that often follows when white influencers are caught making racist comments.
This incident underscores the importance of addressing these issues head-on and using one’s platform to promote understanding and change.
As Earle continues to navigate her career in the public eye, her apology serves as a reminder of the power of words and the lasting impact they can have.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for influencers like Earle to learn from these experiences and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful online community.
A Call for Accountability
Alix Earle’s apology for her past racist comment is a step towards taking responsibility for her actions, but it also serves as a broader call for accountability within the influencer community.
As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public discourse, influencers must be mindful of their words and actions, both past and present.
Earle’s situation is a reminder that while growth and change are possible, they require transparency, sincerity, and a commitment to doing better.