TikTok star and podcast host Alix Earle has publicly apologized after old social media posts containing racial slurs resurfaced, sparking significant backlash. The controversy began in August 2024 when posts Earle made as a 13-year-old on her ask.fm account came to light, showing her use of offensive language.
Now 23, Alix Earle is a well-known influencer with a large following on TikTok and Instagram. As the host of the popular Hot Mess podcast, she has cultivated a brand centered around positivity and entertainment. However, the revelation of her past comments threatened to tarnish her image and raise questions about her character.
After several weeks of silence, Earle addressed the issue directly on her Instagram story on August 26, 2024. In her statement, she acknowledged the severity of her past actions, taking full responsibility for the language she used as a teenager.
“A couple of weeks ago, screenshots surfaced from my old ask.fm account showing me using a slur in the summer of 2014,” Earle wrote. “I am taking accountability and want to make it clear that I was 13 years old and did not understand the deeply offensive meaning behind that word. 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 went on to express her deep regret, stating, “I am deeply sorry that my words have hurt many and have led people to believe that I have any prejudice in my heart. I promise you that could not be further from the truth. My platform has always focused on positivity, entertainment, and uplifting others, and will continue to do so. I am sincerely sorry to those I have offended.”
Alix Earle also addressed the delay in her response, explaining that her initial silence allowed for rumors to spread unchecked. She clarified that, contrary to some online speculation, her brand partnerships remain intact and that she had not attempted to trademark her controversial posts.
“Regardless of what’s being said online, I wanted to come on here to address the facts, and most importantly apologize,” she concluded.
The resurfacing of Earle’s old tweets has reignited debates around accountability and forgiveness, especially concerning actions taken by individuals at a young age. While the controversy has undoubtedly caused a stir, many of her 10 million followers on TikTok and Instagram have come to her defense, arguing that her comments were made when she was just a child and lacked the understanding she has now.
“Omg leave her alone this was years ago,” one Instagram user commented, echoing a sentiment shared by many. “Y’all just wanna find anything to cancel someone; she was clearly young and had no idea what she was saying,” added another.
This incident is not the first time Earle has found herself at the center of online discussions. In November 2023, she revealed that she struggled with an eating disorder during high school, a revelation that garnered widespread support from her fanbase.
As Alix Earle continues to navigate the fallout from this controversy, her public apology marks a step toward mending her reputation and reaffirming her commitment to using her platform for positivity and inclusivity.