OhayoKarlo

May 17, 2024

A TikTok user with the handle @blockout2024 has been creating waves with his controversial content suggesting users block certain celebrities. While he never explicitly states his reasons, it is widely presumed that his campaign is linked to celebrities’ non-stance on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. TikTok has reportedly been removing posts about this issue, either through platform policies or user reports, which could explain @blockout2024’s indirect approach.

Initially, @blockout2024’s content, which started on April 5, featured travel scenery. However, his focus shifted on May 8 with a video urging followers to block specific celebrities. This post has amassed 2.5 million views as of this writing. His follower count has since soared to nearly 200,000, with his videos frequently reaching hundreds of thousands of engagements. His most popular video, posted on May 9, boasts 3.6 million views.

The Message Behind the Movement

In his May 8 video, @blockout2024 argues that celebrities wield immense influence due to their vast followings. He believes they have a responsibility to address significant global issues, and their silence is both shallow and harmful. He advocates for blocking over hating on celebrities, explaining that any form of attention—positive or negative—translates to revenue for these public figures. By blocking them, he aims to remove them from public discourse, diminishing their influence and economic power.

Responding to criticism that blocking might be ineffective because celebrities still retain a substantial follower base, @blockout2024 highlights that engagement levels, not just follower counts, are critical to a celebrity’s marketability. He suggests that decreased engagement can deter brands from associating with these celebrities.

The Celebrities Targeted

@blockout2024’s block list includes notable names like Will Smith, Sam Smith, Doja Cat, Zendaya, Ryan Gosling, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, Ellen DeGeneres, Shakira, Selena Gomez, and Taylor Swift. He seldom provides specific reasons for each inclusion but implies that their silence on the issue equates to complicity.

But is this campaign effective? Are celebrities truly losing followers? There are claims that some have lost between 3 million and 5 million followers, but I cannot verify these numbers. However, I have observed that some celebrities lost hundreds of thousands of followers, though they regained some, possibly through purchasing bot accounts. Regardless, the collective power of internet users banding together for a cause is undeniable.

The crucial question remains: Should celebrities speak out on political issues and critical current events? Traditional PR advice would say no, but the dynamics are shifting. Fans increasingly demand transparency and accountability from their idols, wanting to know where they stand beyond their artistry.