You’re Wrong About Jools LeBron (and Influencers)

In 2024, the trans TikTok influencer Jools Lebron graced the world with “very demure, very mindful.” The phrase was lightning in a bottle, and got plastered just about everywhere. Two years and two million followers later, Jools broke the news to her followers: after the lucrative brand deals stopped coming, she needed their help to afford dental surgery. The colossal backlash that ensued reveals a disconnect between the public’s understanding of influencer fame and the reality of freelancing. It also raises questions about the conservatism inherent to TikTok’s algorithm, and how we all might end up Fox News boomers if we don’t start thinking critically. Listen to bonus episodes on Patreon! Thanks to today’s sponsors! Access the Internet from anywhere and protect yourself online, wherever you go. Get a discount on NordVPN at https://www.nordvpn.com/fruity Get an exclusive 60% on Incogni! https://incogni.com/fruity Watch Franchesca on on YouTube. Follow Franchesca on Instagram. Watch Kat on YouTube. Follow Kat on Bluesky. Find me on Instagram. Find A Bit Fruity on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices