Alix Earle, the popular TikTok influencer known for her 'Get Ready with Me' videos, has recently found herself at the center of a controversy surrounding racist comments she made as a teenager. Earle, now 23, has apologized for using a racial slur in posts on the social media platform ask.fm back in 2014 when she was just 13 years old.
The Controversy and Apology
Screenshots of the offensive posts resurfaced on Reddit, prompting widespread backlash and calls for Earle to address the issue. In a statement shared on her Instagram and TikTok stories, Earle acknowledged her past behavior and took full responsibility. She explained that at the time, she did not understand the 'profoundly hurtful implications' of the slur, but emphasized that this was no excuse for using it. 'That is not how I communicate or what I believe in,' she stated.
Earle expressed remorse for the pain her words had caused and for leading people to believe she harbored any prejudice. 'My platform has always been about positivity, entertainment, and uplifting others, and I intend to maintain that focus,' she said. She also regretted her initial silence, admitting that she allowed 'too many voices' to sway her from speaking out sooner.
Addressing Rumors and Moving Forward
In addition to her apology, Earle addressed several rumors that had circulated in her absence. She denied claims that she had attempted to trademark her past posts and refuted allegations that a brand had stopped working with her, stating that such partnerships were never discussed. 'By not addressing this, my silence allowed others to fill the gap with falsehoods,' she explained.
Earle's apology follows a period of scrutiny for several white influencers who have faced backlash for past racist comments. Her response has been met with mixed reactions, with some appreciating her acknowledgment and others criticizing her delayed response and the manner in which she chose to address the issue.
Career and Influence
Despite the controversy, Earle remains a prominent figure on social media, with over 7 million followers on TikTok and more than 3 million on Instagram. She has been recognized for her influence, featuring as the cover star of Sports Illustrated's inaugural digital issue and ranking eighth on Rolling Stone's 2024 list of the most influential creators.
