Culture has been obsessed with nostalgia for quite some time. This form of escapism brings us back to a version of our lives that seems simpler or happier. Recently, TikTok users have been romanticizing 2020, which was during the COVID-19 pandemic. That romanticization is due to the return of Charli D’Amelio to the spotlight.
From young TikTok influencer, D’Amelio rose to fame to eventually perform with Broadway’s “& Juliet” and she won season 31 of “Dancing with the Stars.” D’Amelio was the most followed person on TikTok, but is currently dethroned by Khaby Lame, an Italian social media influencer. However, she is on track to being the most followed person again, only 2 million followers behind.
D’Amelio’s attention has mainly been focused on rumors about her family stealing income from her as a teen. Since her appearance on Quenlin Blackwell’s webseries, “Feeding Starving Celebrities,” those rumors have spread further.
When asked by Blackwell how much she made on popular merchandise, D’Amelio said, “Ain’t that the question. Wouldn’t I like to know?”
Those rumors along with the online presence that the D’Amelio family has had for years brings fans’ attention to the youngest who brought the success. Most of the return in the fandom comes from people not realizing her personality, when in fact D’Amelio has always been herself. Many have speculated she was oppressing her personality because of her family and pressure of being an influencer.
Trisha Paytas also weighed in by reacting to an old video where she questions if D’Amelio truly makes money. Paytas said her intuition must be powerful, partly confirming rumors.
“The online hate against my sister is mean and just not fair,” D’Amelio said in a statement on an Instagram story on Sept. 27. “She will always be my sister and I love her. I hope that we can all learn to be kinder to people on social media.”
The hate online targeted toward her family has been rampant. D’Amelio addressing it is proves that they are still her family and she’d like to move on. A celebrity who holds fans accountable is honest. D’Amelio knows how to handle hate with grace.
D’Amelio wearing a “Vape Queen” shirt on “Feeding Starving Celebrities," shows she has embraced even the most embarrassing and controversial parts of her career. The particular incident referenced was a video of D’Amelio using a vape. That caused an outrage as her fanbase consisted of young girls at the time.
As young fans get older, she is able to poke fun at her being young and making mistakes. In doing so, D’Amelio is earning the title “iconic.”
Broadening a career further away from TikTok into the world of professional dance proves her star power. Her interest in the fashion world makes her feel like a niche celebrity who’s honest and real, all because we’ve seen her grow up in the most vulnerable space: her bedroom.
Social media created new ways for people to become public figures. YouTube stars and TikTok influencers have garnered fanbases that are more loyal than the biggest popstars’. Fans see themselves in those types of celebrities. D’Amelio is solidifying her spot with the Emma Chamberlains of the zeitgeist.
Seeing her on the Broadway stage as an ensemble member rather than forcing herself into the music scene makes her unique. She stands in a different part from other influencers. Especially since Addison Rae, also a former TikTok star, has begun a music career. It makes sense for D’Amelio to focus on fashion and dancing while simultaneously making TikTok videos about her life and roots.
D’Amelio’s comeback is strengthening her place as an it girl, someone whose personality, charm and cultural influence defines their success. Oh well, it wasn’t an anxiety pen.
Cassidy McClurg is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassidy about their column? Email cm303824@ohio.edu
