The Rise of Charlie Demilio
There's probably one thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Charlie Demilio and that's TikTok. In March of 2020, she became the number one most followed TikToker in the world. For most people, that's all she will ever be known for. However, her and her family have tried just about every career imaginable since their meteoric rise to fame. Yet, they are still known as being famous for nothing.
A Normal Family Thrust into Fame
The Demilios lived a comfortable existence in a traditional New England suburb. Their parents were already rich before the fame, as the sisters attended the King School in Stamford, Connecticut, which cost $50,000 per year to attend high school. Charlie describes her life before TikTok as normal - going to school, going to dance, doing homework, and going to bed. It was pretty much like every other teenager's life.
The TikTok Phenomenon
Charlie downloaded TikTok like anyone else, looking for a distraction from the mundaneness of everyday life. She uploaded her first video in March of 2019, not expecting anyone but her friends to watch. However, one video went viral and her follower count started to skyrocket. She gained hundreds of thousands of followers in a short amount of time, becoming popular among the young users dominating the app.
The Renegade Dance
One dance defined the rest of Charlie's career. In October 2019, she performed a dance called the Renegade, which became a popular trend on TikTok. This dance propelled her to over 5 million followers and made her a household name. However, some controversy arose as the actual creator of the dance was revealed to be a 14-year-old choreographer named Jalia Harmon. Charlie was wrongly credited with creating the dance, resulting in backlash and accusations of cultural appropriation.
Expanding Their Business Ventures
The Demilio family quickly capitalized on their newfound fame, signing with United Talent Agency and embarking on various business ventures. Charlie ventured into Hollywood, voicing a character in an animated film and appearing in a Super Bowl commercial. Dixie, Charlie's sister, also gained a following and pursued acting and music careers. The family launched their own YouTube channel and reality show, further solidifying their status as influencers.
The Controversies and Backlash
With fame comes scrutiny, and the Demilio family experienced their fair share of controversies and backlash. From accusations of not giving proper credit to dance creators to a poorly received reality show episode, they faced criticism from both the public and their fellow influencers. The family's attempts to branch out into different industries, such as music and fashion, were met with mixed reviews and accusations of mediocrity.
The Toll of Fame
The Demilio family's rise to fame has come at a cost. They have faced relentless hate and online bullying, which has taken a toll on their mental health. The pressure to constantly produce content and maintain their follower count has also strained their relationships, with Charlie and Dixie expressing tension and resentment towards each other. The pursuit of fame and success has consumed their lives, leading to a sense of emptiness and disillusionment.
The Future of the Demilio Family
As the interest in the Demilio family wanes, they find themselves at a crossroads. They have achieved financial success and gained millions of followers, but at what cost? Are they willing to continue sacrificing their well-being and family dynamics for the sake of fame? Only time will tell what path they choose to take and whether they can find fulfillment beyond the confines of social media.
