An anonymous YouTube star revealed she resents her parents and wants a no-contact order because of the pressure she felt to create content after going viral as a toddler.
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“Claire” described her experience working as a content creator to support her family since she was a toddler in an interview with Teen Vogue. Claire’s parents quit their jobs after her family began earning more from their YouTube videos and used the money to purchase a new home and car. However, she considers it unjust that she is forced to create content to continue supporting her parents’ lifestyle.
Claire told her father that she didn’t want to make any more YouTube videos, and he told her that they would have to move out of their house and go back to work, which meant they couldn’t afford “nice things.” She stated that once she reaches the age of 18, she intends to speak out about the realities of being a YouTube star and may file a no-contact order.
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Since her video went viral during her toddler years, Claire has had merchandise, and her Youtube channel currently has millions of subscribers. The videos also document her life with her family, and some of her fans reportedly told her on Instagram that they miss her old content. Claire’s parents are reportedly saving up some of her earnings for college.
After Claire’s story was released on social media, many believed after many viral child stars would discuss their own stories about earning fame at a young age.
I wrote this story and something that really struck me from interviews was a source who said “at least child actors are famous for their *characters* not for being themselves”
— Fortesa Latifi (@fortesalatifi) March 12, 2023
I was a child actor in The ’60s and ’70s. This is exactly what my parents did to me: Commodified and stole my childhood.
I have been Cassandra about this subject for the last decade+. What is happening to these children is absolutely criminal, but there are no laws against it.
— Claudia Lamb (@ClaudiaLamb) March 11, 2023
I used to watch family vlogs. I stopped when one of the kids didn’t know their ABCs when they entered kindergarten. Other kids would have to do brand deals instead of homework after school.
— Kim (@7_two_3) March 11, 2023
This is also how I feel about youtubers who have kids and claim the kids won’t be involved at all… cut to 3 years later and the kid is prominently being featured on videos… the parasocial relationships of streamers and fans has to end at innocent kids who never chose fame
— allie (@AllieTheEditor) March 11, 2023