The Dangers of Young Fame: A Closer Look at the D’Amelio Show

Photo courtesy of Hulu

When I saw that Charli and Dixie D’Amelio were getting their own show, I, like many others, rolled my eyes.

First, TikToker Addison Rae practically gets handed her own movie on Netflix, now this? It seems like these teenage girls are being granted every opportunity on a silver platter for simply being pretty and coming up with simple dances. Seems pretty unfair for everyone out there trying again and again to make it to the silver or small screen, right? Who do these girls think they are to feel like they’re entitled enough to star in their own show? Well, it’s not like they get much of a choice.

After watching a few episodes of “The D’Amelio Show,” I’ve come to two conclusions: one, it’s pretty boring in terms of reality TV, and two, Charli and Dixie have no say in their lives anymore. 

Showcased in one of the episodes, Charli’s managers arrive with stacks of binders, each depicting and planning out a year of Charli’s life. Charli, a teenager, can be clearly seen barely processing what she’s being told; so many business ventures being shoved her way when she’s not even old enough to vote. Unfortunately, through interviews with former child stars like the Olsen twins and Jennette McCurdy, it has become increasingly obvious that managers such as the ones the D’Amelio teens are signed to are using them for money, and these young girls are just along for the ride. Being young enough that you don’t even have a firm grasp on who you are makes it extremely easy for big-wig companies to take advantage of you.

Another thing present on the show is the fact that the D’Amelio’s house is huge. Now, this might seem like a complete side-track, but stay with me for a second. Their new house is said to cost over $5 million. This family members were not millionaires before TikTok, so it’s pretty safe to assume that Charli is paying off the house. 

Not only does that add to the social media pressure these managers are putting on Charli, but now it seems that her own family is completely financially dependent on her. When I was 17 years old, I still had to ask my mom for five bucks so I could get McDonalds. I can’t even begin to imagine being in her shoes, pulled from one tiring project to another, having the overwhelming thought in the back of my mind that if I mess this up, my family is going to lose either their house or any kind of money venture. That sounds absolutely insane. She can’t stop for a break from these projects because her family is relying on her. At this rate she’s going to be burnt out before she even hits 21. 

And I could write an entire other story about the amount of hate they receive on a daily basis, slowly chipping away at their self-worth and confidence, growing up under brutal scrutiny with every little thing they do. 

It’s heartbreaking to watch these poor teens have so many panic attacks and breakdowns, the stress of their whole situation clearly affecting them. So before you go and write a hate comment on Charli or Dixie’s account on why they’re talentless and deserve none of the fame they’ve gotten, remember what that fame has cost them. They can no longer be teenage girls going off to parties and watching their high school’s football game. Instead, their entire lives have become work.