Source: Addison Rae’s official Instagram
What was supposed to be a fun night for social media influencer, actress, and singer Addison Rae turned into a horrific experience as UFC fans questioned why she was given a reporting opportunity after posting a photo of herself holding a commentator’s microphone at the UFC 264: Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor in Las Vegas.
“I studied broadcast journalism in college for three whole months to prepare for this moment,” the 20-year-old posted jokingly on Twitter.
Journalism students and UFC fans alike were quick to express their disgust at what some of them perceived as “white privilege.” Others simply pointed out that ordinary journalism students work tirelessly to finish their degree and barely ever get the opportunity to stand in front of a camera, unlike Addison Rae who even left college.
“Saw this posted on TikTok & ppl didn’t understand why some were so upset. Let me explain: we go to school, go into debt, fight for our voices to be heard & papers to be funded, etc., and people with little experience get these opportunities instead,” an online commentator responded to Rae’s tweet. “I’m not calling her own talent into question. I haven’t seen her work as a reporter or host, so I cannot speak on that. Rather, as a student, I’m frustrated by the elitist field itself, and those who don’t understand journalism placing celebrities in the reporting realm.”
In her previous interviews, Addison Rae has spoken openly about how the hurtful comments of some people affect her. The young actress, however, makes it a point not to rely on the words of others for validation and acceptance.
“This is something that I’m still figuring out for myself as it is way harder than I thought it would be,” she exclusively told Us Weekly. “It can be really hard when people call out things that you already have insecurities about, but I am working on realizing that my worth does not come from other people’s words.”
As it turns out, the controversial photo was, ultimately, just a photo opportunity at a very unforgettable UFC event. While Addison Rae did a brief interview of Dustin Poirier before the match, she was not there, in any capacity, as a correspondent.
“She’s not, nor was she ever, a correspondent,” revealed an E! News undisclosed source. “She’ll be at the fight tonight but just as a spectator. There were never any plans for her to have any further official responsibilities.”
To Addison Rae’s defense, a reporter tweeted, “People are really accusing Addison of STEALING JOBS from journalists. It’s a PHOTO.”
The young dancer first got noticed on TikTok, where she would post content of her dancing. As of July 2021, she has a phenomenal 81 million followers on the social media platform, making her one of the most influential personalities on TikTok today. She ranks third among the world’s most-followed individuals, following Charli D’Amelio and Khaby Lame. She is, however, the highest-earning TikTok star through her endorsements of notable brands such as American Eagle, Reebok, L’Oreal, and Hollister.
She is set to star in the remake of the 1999 teen hit movie “She’s All That,” where she will play a role inspired by the character that Freddie Prinze Jr. played in the original film.
