Ms. Shirley, 4, is a TikTok sensation. Some fans are worried, and her mom is speaking out.
Ms. Shirley, 4, is a TikTok sensation. Some fans are worried, and her mom is speaking out.
Latisha Tucker has always known her daughter, LaR'iyah, had star power.
So when her 4-year-old went TikTok viral in February for line dancing to 803Fresh's hit song 'Boots on the Ground,' she wasn't surprised. LaR'iyah, known online as 'Ms. Shirley,' had gone viral before. But the TikTok, where she smiled while stomping with fringe boots and a pastel pink fan, brought her a new legion of fans. She grew to 981,000 followers on the platform, appeared on the Jennifer Hudson show and was featured in 803Fresh's music video of the song.
What Tucker didn't expect, however, was how quick the stream of hate from viewers followed. Suddenly, the TikTok page's comment section was filled with viewers sounding off on everything from if the level of attention on LaR'iyah is excessive to if the dance moves are appropriate for a 4-year-old.
'When are we gonna stop exploiting our babies?' one commenter seethed. 'This is wild that we think this is OK,' another replied.
The attention crossed a line after TikTokers posted videos stating they were calling Child Protective Services on Tucker.
It's the latest instance of a parent receiving flak over posting their children online. When parents put their child on social media, they open themselves up for reactions that may be out of their control, says Leah Plunkett, author of 'Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before We Talk About Our Kids Online' and a faculty member at Harvard Law School.
Watch: Tips to prevent oversharing information about your kids online
Who is viral sensation, Ms. Shirley?
The earliest videos on the TikTok account feature hairstyles done by Tucker, who works as a hairstylist, and videos of LaR'iyah as a baby. LaR'iyah started teaching herself line dances by propping up Tucker's phone. By 2 years old, she was dancing to Megan Thee Stallion, the Wop dance club remix and GloRilla.
The nickname 'Ms. Shirley' is one she's had since birth and has no correlation with actress Shirley Temple.
Tucker says she knows haters come with the territory of being an online creator. She says those making response videos are looking to monetize discussion of LaR'iyah for their own platform, given her name recognition.
'A lot of them just joined the bandwagon of what somebody is saying,' Tucker says.
Since going viral, LaR'iyah has taken part in more than 10 in-person events as a celebrity guest, including rodeo days, parades and family events. Her critics say these appearances give adults too much access to a small child.
As her fame has grown, so has misinformation. Some posts criticizing Tucker that included videos showing adult men holding LaR'iyah turned out to be adults Tucker already knew.
'People just pick and choose and point out and place it in the timeline where it'll fit their narrative,' Tucker says, adding that she is always right beside LaR'iyah.
'You can't put the genie back in the bottle'
The backlash toward Tucker heated up when some critics recently re-upped a video she'd posted in 2024 of LaR'iyah doing the 'Red Dress' trend. In the video, which has more than 3.7 million views, LaR'iyah puts on a red dress, heels, lipstick and a wig over lyrics over Johnny Gill's 1990 R&B song 'My, My, My.'
Commenters argued the suggestive nature of the song could direct bad actors toward LaR'iyah's videos. Tucker says the video only started receiving backlash this spring, even though it's been up for more than a year.
'All she is doing is being a kid like any other kid. like when we were young as little girls, we put on our moms' lipstick, her dress or her wig and her heels, and that's all it was,' Tucker says.
The difference, experts say, is that when those childhood moments are put out to viewers online, they can't be taken back.
In the modern digital age, where photos and videos make a permanent trail, child influencers will come face to face with the digital footprint left in their childhood, says Stacey Steinberg, a law professor at the University of Florida's Levin College of Law and the director of the school's Center on Children and Families.
'You can't put the genie back in the bottle,' Steinberg says. 'We have a lot of kids whose relationship with society has been permanently altered by these decisions by parents.'
Plunkett says children in the online spotlight may afterwards struggle developmentally to figure out who they are without adults writing the script for them. And posting about kids online can blur the boundaries in children's minds of what is real and what is imagination.
'That stage is also their home, their school, their community, trips they're taking with their parents,' Plunkett says. 'They are not going to understand what is their real life and what is their stage life, and that can have really complicated and in some instances, devastating consequences."
More: From Snapchat to YouTube, here's how to monitor and protect your kids online
The risk of sharing your child online
Steinberg says parents considering posting their kids should weigh motivations for sharing with their children's rights to maintain their privacy and control over their own digital footprint.
Parents who share their children online risk data collection and exposure to bad actors. Strangers may use information posted online to find personal details, like where a child attends school, and collect or share data, including innocent images of children, in ways the creator has little control over.
Child creators also risk being on the receiving end of fans who develop unhealthy relationships, which can result in incessant interactions that cross personal boundaries and stalking.
Steinberg says some kids might appreciate the financial income or platform that comes with sharing, but others might come of age and feel 'embarrassed or self-conscious' about information that was shared, especially if it doesn't line up with the person they hope to be in adulthood.
Tucker says she plans to put LaR'iyah's money aside to use for future plans, like a college education, and that she hopes the publicity will give her a platform to pursue dance or singing.
Her supporters tell her to keep dancing. On a Facebook fan page, nearly 30,000 followers, many of whom lovingly refer to themselves as internet aunties, dote over new photos of LaR'iyah donning blinged out outfits, post prayers for her family and promote her events.
The comments are filled with messages of support: 'Keep on stepping babygirl!' 'Don't dim your shine.' 'Team Ms. Shirley forever.'
Rachel Hale's role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal Ventures and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at rhale@usatoday.com and @rachelleighhale on X.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
38 minutes ago
- USA Today
Indiana Fever guard sees social media following erupt after Caitlin Clark defense
Since committing a hard foul in defense of star guard Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has seen her social media following skyrocket. Since the incident occurred, Cunningham's jersey sold out in the Fever team store and she has gained nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram and jumped from 300,000 to over 1.2 million followers on TikTok. As a frequent social media user, she posted a TikTok video playing into what happened during Tuesday's game with her lip-syncing lyrics from the Selena Gomez song, "Hands to Myself." "It's a joke... the sound was too fitting! happy game day," Cunningham captioned the post. That video now has more than 800,000 likes and 25,000 shares. Cunningham was ejected on June 17 after committing a late-game Flagrant 2 foul on Sun guard Jacy Sheldon which immediately drew Sheldon and fellow Sun guard Lindsay Allen into a fracas along the baseline. "It's cool. It's funny what kind of people are attracted to," Cunningham said Saturday of gaining so many followers. "I'm just trying to keep the main thing the main thing, and that's basketball, trying to win games, sticking up for my teammates. And that's all part of it. I think all that stuff is fun and whatnot, but, at the end of the day, we need to win some basketball games." Cunningham and the Fever (6-6) return to action on Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces (5-7) from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews.
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
You Need Comfy Shoes If You're Going On A Trip, So Here Are 28 Pairs
A handmade pair of closed-toe huarache platform sandals if you need some extra height (those flowy pants you just bought are a little on the long side), but also refuse to commit to walking around in heels all day. These beauts are the perfect compromise! A pair of Birkenstocks, aka the go-to summer vacation sandal. Reviewers rave about their signature cork footbed and for good reason — it molds to the foot for unrivaled comfort and support. A pair of Dr. Scholl's kicks so you can ditch the laces while still enjoying the benefits of supportive and comfy sneakers. Did I mention these have memory foam cushioning? Because they do, and you will love it. A classic pair of ballet flats since these darling little shoes fold up nice and compact for easy packing — and good thing, too, because you've only got about an inch of space left in your suitcase! Or, these memory foam-cushioned knit flats that are just as convenient (and comfy!) but offer a more elevated look with their textured design. Promising reviews: "These shoes are so comfortable. I used them on a trip where I did a lot of walking, and there was no need to break them in, and I had no blisters. I have not had to clean them yet, so don't know how they will wash up." —Charlotte"I wore these, new, on a recent trip and couldn't have been more pleased with the fit and comfort. Added bonus, you can toss them in the wash and they come out great!" —Amazon CustomerGet them from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in sizes 5–11, wide sizes, and in five colors). A gorgeous leather slide because it'll take you about .0002 seconds to throw them on and complete the day's ~lewk.~ There's not a second to be wasted when you're on vacation, right?! A cute pair of Toms block heels to wear at brunch, art galleries, high tea, happy hour, you name it! You deserve to ~treat yoself~ on vacation and these are shoes you'll want for all those fun, splurge-y activities. A chunky pair of Fila platform sneakers that just might be the ultimate travel hack. A comfy, supportive sneaker that also gives you a boost so you can see above the crowd and actually watch the busker's performance? Genius! A flexible pair of water shoes if your itinerary's got some water-based activities. Don't let soggy feet ruin the day's fun. Wear these, and thank me later. A cute and casual Sperry sneaker you can wear with just about anything and everything in your suitcase. Plus, they come with a removable footbed for added arch support. A pair of braided chunky heels to slip on whenever you need a chic little going-out shoe, like when you're checking out that cool speakeasy you saw on TikTok. According to reviewers, these are actually comfy enough to wear all night long, too! Keen rose sandals that I just adore and almost always bring on my warm-weather trips. They look so darn cute, are unbelievably comfy, and best of all, can handle miles and miles of walking (even if I decide to stroll through the waves a bit). I've brought these on hiking/camping trips, but also on city vacations, too. I love knowing I can tackle any sort of terrain I might stumble upon in my adventures, even though they don't really look like your typical "hiking sandals."Promising review: "I bought these sandals about a month before I went on vacation. I walked around in them all day in very hot temperatures (38–40 degrees Celsius) with my feet sweating and swelling, and did not get any blisters or hot spots. I thought for sure they would start to smell, but they didn't! I read reviews of others not liking the ankle strap not being adjustable, but I did not have any issues. I definitely would not go hiking in these sandals, but they are great for everyday casual wear and are super cute. I love the wide-toe box for my problem feet. I will definitely be buying more pairs in different colors. These are the most comfortable sandals I have ever bought! I did have some rubbing on my big toe from the toe box material, but I got used to it quickly with no issues." —Ldc8Get them from Keen for $120 (available in sizes 5–12 and six colors — not all styles available in all sizes). A lightweight mesh sneaker if you (or your S.O.) want to look ~sharp~ without having to sweat away in stiff, uncomfy dress shoes. In the words of one reviewer, they're "absurdly comfortably" while offering a business-casual kinda vibe. My boyfriend has these in black, and the first thing he commented on was how light and breathable they are. He's definitely a comfort first, style second kind of person, but he doesn't have to compromise anymore, thanks to these. They're pretty much his new go-to shoe when we're heading downtown or out on a date (and he always looks so good in them). Promising review: "I love them, I originally bought a pair for a vacation where I needed something business casual and comfortable for walking… I wore them on my first day back to the office (left my $750 pair of Ferragamo's at the office). I intended to throw on the expensive pair… I got more compliments on these than I have for a high-end shoe + they're way more comfortable!" —Bobby DGet them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in men's sizes 6.5–14 and 13 colors) A beautiful pair of Greek gladiator-inspired sandals so you can feel like a real Mediterranean local as you navigate the streets and local seaside markets. Even if you're not headed to Greece, you'll still feel like a goddess wearing these. A pair of Swedish wooden clogs, just in case you're worried you lack the... uhhh... coordination for navigating cobblestone and brick streets in heels. Have no fear — these shoes are extra sturdy and even have a heel strap for added reinforcement. No wobbling here! A pair of Crocs sandals featuring the same comfort and convenience the brand is known for, only a more aesthetic design. Whether you're a diehard Crocs lover or new to the cult, you're gonna want these cuties in your collection. A pair of quilted sneakers featuring memory foam insoles beneath that stylish exterior, because you deserve to look and feel like a million bucks when you're out and about globe-trotting. Psst! Some reviewers say these shoes run big, and recommend ordering a size down. Promising review: "I bought these shoes for my trip to the UK in September. They proved to be some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. We toured English stately homes and gardens and walked everywhere we went, and these shoes gave me great support and comfort. I wore them on the plane and in the airports, and they stood the test. Love these shoes, and I have put them aside to wear for my next UK trip!" —Louisa CornellGet them from Amazon for $31.19+ (available in sizes 6–11, including wide sizes, and eight colors — not all colors available in all sizes). A pair of cushioned slides for an easy-on, breathable shoe that's pretty darn supportive. Ideal for TSA, but more importantly, for heading to the pool (or beach) and back a bajillion times. Promising review: "These shoes are amazing. I have plantar fasciitis, and by the end of the day, my feet are in a lot of pain. I can now stand and walk with no pain wearing these shoes. They appear to be cheap, but whatever material these are made of is more comfortable than Crocs! I bought the grey and loved them, so I bought another pair in brown. I'm going to take them with me on vacation because I know I can walk long distances with them. My feet do not sweat in them either!" —GGet them from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in sizes 5.5–17W, 4–16M, and 30 colors). A waterproof sneaker so you can tackle all that sightseeing, regardless of the weather forecast. These will keep your feet dry, and unlike typical rain boots, are actually comfy enough for endless walking! Promising review: "Probably the best item I've ever ordered from Amazon. I wanted to look stylish, and rain boots would have looked silly. Found these all rubber sneaker/rain shoes, and man! I'm glad I got these. Wore them to Europe during quite a bit of rain. Walked a lot and they were surprisingly very comfortable, too." —Its meGet them from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11, in four colors in the high-top style, and in five other styles). Braided Plaka sandals that combine functionality with a breezy boho aesthetic, aka the perfect combo for oceanside strolls. The straps fit snugly around the foot without rubbing or pinching while the rubber soles are durable enough for sand, beach rocks, and other rough terrain. The famous Allbirds runner — uber soft and supportive everyday sneakers made from lightweight and breathable eucalyptus fibers, which means they're 100% up to the task of keeping you cool and comfy as you explore the world. Promising review: "Love these shoes!! So comfortable and look great. Wore them as all-day shoes at Disneyland, no blisters or other issues. I am already looking at other pairs to buy. Also great for traveling, extremely lightweight." —Michaela them from Allbirds for $98 (available in sizes 5–11W, 8–14M, and 21 colors). Elastic-strap sandals since the twisted strap is not only super cute but also super stretchy, which means the sandal conforms perfectly to your foot for a secure, comfy fit. A pair of Cole Haan leather sneakers because they're a sleek, lightweight shoe that can be dressed up or down. Pretty much a no-brainer for vacation. Promising review: "This is the third pair I have bought for my husband (navy, tan, and black). We travel a lot and he always takes a pair for daily wear and loads of walking. He says they are the most comfortable shoes he has ever had, and frankly, they are so great looking, you can wear them anywhere. In Europe, many men wear shoes of this style with their suits, and they look so sharp. These are so versatile, go with anything, and have a super-high comfort level. Catch them when they are on special!" —vieuxcarreGet them from Amazon for $74.20+ (available in men's sizes 7–13, two widths, and in 18 styles). A super cute strappy sandal for something that's stylish *and* supportive — both non negotiable for your big summer trip. These have a thick, cushioned footbed that's similar to Birks, only much cheaper. A pair of platform, lace-up Oxfords so you can trick all the locals into thinking you're actually overseas for an important academic conference... are you a Rhodes scholar or genius mathematician? They'll never know! A pair of combat boots if your personal style is best described as pop-punk. These are just the edgy-chic traveling companion you've been waiting for. Promising review: "I am in love with these boots! First, they are great-looking. I've worn them 10 times in the past two and a half weeks and received compliments five times. They look amazing with leggings, maxi dresses, and short skirts. The ankle doesn't gap and is adjustable with laces, but they actually open by way of a zipper on the inside ankle. So, once you get them fitted to your arch and ankle, putting them on and taking them off is easy. I know as I had to remove them for TSA at two airports. I've worn them in rain, slushy snow, sub-freezing temps, and 70-degree weather. So far, with a wipe of a cloth, they still look brand new. No scuffs and no cracks. Yesterday, I took them off after 31 hours of travel, involving a number of airports and lots of walking, and they still felt good." —AliceGet them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10 and in four colors). Or Dr. Marten gladiator sandals so you can rock those spunky pop-punk vibes without your feet overheating. These are definitely the summertime equivalent of your fave combat boots, offering a similar aesthetic in a more breathable and lighter open-foot design. A classic pair of slip-on sneaks made from a breathable and stretchy canvas material, which means your feet will sweat less and probably won't rub too much either... the two things that tend to cause blisters.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Here's why a classic Radiohead song is back in the charts again – and our pick of their best test tracks
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. If you're the sort of backwards cap-wearing whippersnapper who spends more time than they'd like to admit trawling the endless swathes of short-form content on popular social media platform TikTok, you may have already run into Radiohead's Let Down without even realising it. The jury's still out on TikTok and its impact on the still-forming brains of our society's youth, but for exposing audiences to new (and old) music that's often outside of the mainstream, it's performing a surprisingly valuable service. Let Down is just one of the many tracks enjoying a major resurgence thanks to its popularity on short-form social media. According to Forbes, the fifth track from Radiohead's seminal 1997 behemoth OK Computer has enjoyed such a revival that it's in danger of troubling the official US Hot 100 chart ranking, and it's not the only tune to have enjoyed such a retroactive bump. The likes of Alphaville's Forever Young, Coldplay's Everything's Not Lost and Modern Talking's Cheri Cheri Lady have become reborn colossi across the likes of YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, accompanying everything from Premier League goals compilations to in-depth makeup tutorials. I'll let you decide which of those I watch more often. Long may this continue. If TikTok gets more people listening to Radiohead and OK Computer, so much the better. That said, much as I appreciate the love for Let Down, it wouldn't be my go-to for testing anything from headphones to hi-fi. Instead, I'd direct audiences, be they teen TikTok trawlers or grizzled fellow Millennials, to the delights of another masterwork, this time taken from 2000's equally acclaimed masterwork Kid A. Let Down is great, but Everything In Its Right Place is the one to go for if you're serious about giving a product a chance to flex its muscles. We, as a What Hi-Fi? collective, have been using it since before TikTok was even a thing, and while it's another track enjoying something of a renaissance thanks to social media, we can't take much of the credit for the revival. Everything In Its Right Place represents, if such a thing exists, the definitive essence of Radiohead. It's an ethereal concoction, blending woozy, otherworldly synth sounds and warm, fuzzy keyboards with the unsettling glitches and twitches of a malfunctioning motherboard, pulling together seemingly contrary elements into a composition that feels both reassuringly warm and enveloping yet disturbingly fractured and bizarre. Perhaps the track's title would be best served by the inclusion of a question mark at its tail: Everything In Its Right Place? It's a sublime tester for anything you feel needs a test room challenge, but we particularly like the track for testing a pair of speakers. Those glitchy effects flit from one speaker to the other, elucidating how well a pair can handle organisation and separation, while Thom Yorke's arcing vocals should have both solidity and depth between your chosen pair of contenders. A great test of stereo imaging, then. We listen to a good deal of dear old Thom and his Oxford-born buddies, so we know which idiosyncrasies and vocal textures to seek out from that instantly recognisable falsetto. Yorke's voice should soar to appropriate heights, of course, but it's those oft-hidden elements, be they a slight hesitancy at the beginning of a line or the peaks and swells when singing words such as "everything" or "place" that should be tracked with absolute precision. We always come back to the same question: does he sound like he's singing at a pre-show rehearsal, or is this a man trying to communicate something with real emotional power? The longer it goes on, the more the intensity rises. Everything In Its Right Place might start off at a creeping pace, but it's the increasing sense of urgency as both tempo and volume build which creates, if you have the equipment, that paralysing sense of drama and heft. Once you're past the 1:30 mark, you should sense an active shift as the track changes gears from languid scene-setting to a clamorous and incessant climax in which layers upon layers pile upon one another, creating a dramatic denouement which should instil both panic and awe in equal measure. If you don't feel that change in tone, however, you may be dealing with hi-fi that doesn't have enough flexibility or sense of drama to take things to the next level. This being Radiohead, it's all about playing with your emotions. Do you feel unsettled yet intrigued by the track's moody, ambient opening, or just bored and uninvolved? Do you feel adrenalised yet slightly overwhelmed as it builds to its climax, or do you sense that the track, or the gear you're using to play it, is holding back? It's been something of a thrill to see social media reinvigorate the fortunes of various unexpected tunes, or else introduce a new generation of fans to music that isn't throwaway pop or a YouTube star's latest generic cash-in. If you're new to the world of Radiohead and want a truly mind-altering experience, I'd urge you to seek out Everything In Its Right Place. And if you want that experience to be genuinely life-altering, I'd urge you even more strongly to find headphones or hi-fi that can do it proper justice. MORE: JBL, Bose and Cambridge Audio: these are the 5 freshly announced products that are on our radar These are the best Radiohead tracks for testing your hi-fi 7 tracks we've been enjoying in our test rooms over the past month
