Social Media Users Push Back: Blocking Celebs and Influencers Over 'Let Them Eat Cake' Attitude
The annual Met Gala, often hailed as fashion's biggest night, took place on the first Monday in May, attracting a constellation of celebrities and influencers to its ornate steps. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, one TikToker and influencer's comment sparked controversy and ignited a movement.
Haleyy Baylee, presenting herself as Marie Antoinette, made a tone-deaf and appalling comment that resonated with many: "Let them eat cake." This phrase, famously attributed to Marie Antoinette, was her response upon learning that her starving peasant subjects had no bread. It has since become emblematic of her obliviousness to the struggles of ordinary people.
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In the context of current events, with conflicts raging in Israel and many Americans grappling with inflation and financial hardship, Baylee's comment struck a nerve. The juxtaposition of extravagant Met Gala spending against the backdrop of real-world suffering only served to magnify the disconnect between celebrities and their audiences.
Enter #BlockOut2024, a movement pioneered by TikTok user Pablo Artic. In a viral video, Pablo declared, "We have full control over the incomes of news outlets, celebrities, and artists. They make money off our hate, they make money off our praise, but they do not make money when we block them and forget their names. Our attention is their currency."
With those words, a wave of users began blocking celebrities on Instagram and TikTok, effectively withdrawing their attention and engagement from those they felt were out of touch or insensitive. The targets of this digital protest included high-profile figures like the The Kardashians, Dwyane 'The Rock' Johnson, JLo, The Jenners, Jonas Brothers, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Jojo Oprah, and, notably, Haleyy Baylee herself.
#BlockOut2024 represents a shift in the dynamics of celebrity culture, where audiences are reclaiming agency over their attention and pushing back against perceived excess and insensitivity. It underscores the power of social media as a tool for collective action and accountability, allowing ordinary individuals to hold influencers and celebrities to account for their words and actions.
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This movement is a reminder that celebrity status does not exempt individuals from scrutiny or criticism. In an era where social media platforms amplify voices and facilitate grassroots movements, public figures are increasingly being held to higher standards of accountability.
As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how celebrities and influencers will respond to #BlockOut2024 and the broader sentiment it represents. Will they engage in meaningful dialogue with their audiences and strive for greater empathy and understanding? Or will they double down on their privilege and disregard the concerns of those they claim to represent?
Whatever the outcome, #BlockOut2024 serves as a potent reminder that in the age of social media, the power lies in the hands of the people. It is a call to action for greater transparency, accountability, and empathy in the realm of celebrity culture, and a testament to the potential of collective action to effect meaningful change.
by Venus Sanders
