D'Amelio Family Shares Concerns Over TikTok's Uncertain Future: Impact on All Users
The D'Amelio family, known for raising TikTok sensations Dixie and Charli, express their worries about the looming threat of a TikTok ban. Their perspective highlights the potential repercussions for the entire TikTok community if the platform faces a shutdown.
Heidi D’Amelio and Marc D’Amelio, whose daughters rose to stardom thanks to TikTok, would not be in favor of a ban of the social media app.
"I believe everyone suffers," Marc, 55, shared in a special clip from ABC News Studios' "IMPACT x Nightline," airing on May 30. "Small businesses suffer and even politicians are affected."
The couple, who got married in May 2000, have a good understanding of the benefits that come with TikTok success. Their daughters, Dixie D'Amelio and Charli D'Amelio, rose to fame through this popular social media platform.
"We didn’t label ourselves as the top TikTok family," Marc mentioned in the video, with Heidi, 52, chiming in, "It's amazing to think about how many people viewed a video."
Charli, 20, started sharing on TikTok in June 2019, and her dance videos gained popularity rapidly. Dixie, 22, then started posting following her sister's lead.
“I think the ability to turn someone who’s obscure into an overnight, famous person, I don’t think there’s any other platform like that,” Marc said.
Heidi and Marc D Amelio React to Possible Death of TikTok
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If younger generations take any lessons away from Charli and Dixie’s success, Heidi hopes it’s to “be yourself” and “do things that you love.”
Marc said that while you may not reach the same level of fame as Dixie and Charli, the journey you embark on to pursue that path will lead to many opportunities and help you achieve your goals.
After gaining fame on social media, Dixie and Charli, along with their parents, appeared in a reality show on Hulu in 2021. Dixie and her mom Heidi also participated in Dancing With the Stars, with Dixie winning the competition in 2022.
Dixie and Charli may not have grown up in the spotlight, but they recently shared with Us about their rising fame and how they're handling it.
In July 2020, the sisters mentioned, "We're grateful for the amazing support we have. Our parents play a big role in helping us manage our busy schedules and ensuring that we focus on our education and careers."
They have also found time to strengthen their own connection as sisters. "If anything, our bond has gotten even stronger as sisters because the 'fame' isn't always the easiest to navigate," they shared. "We are consistently there for each other and always supporting each other, on-camera and off. Our parents play a big role in making sure that we stay grounded and keep us feeling like normal teenagers — we're still told to drop our phones and do the dishes or clean our rooms!"
Stream the newest episode of "IMPACT x Nightline" starting on Thursday, May 30, exclusively on Hulu.
Editor's P/S:
The D'Amelio family's stance against a TikTok ban reflects their recognition of the platform's transformative power. As parents of two daughters who achieved stardom through TikTok, Heidi and Marc have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it can have on young people. They emphasize the platform's ability to foster creativity, provide opportunities, and connect individuals from all walks of life.
While acknowledging the potential risks associated with social media, the D'Amelios underscore the importance of responsible use and parental guidance. They encourage users to approach TikTok with a focus on self-expression and personal growth, rather than seeking fame or attention. By embracing the platform's positive aspects while mitigating its potential drawbacks, they believe that TikTok can continue to be a valuable tool for young people to connect, learn, and pursue their passions.
