Alix Earle has issued an apology for a racist comment she made on social media in the past.

On Monday, TikTok star Alix Earle apologized for a 2014 post from when she was 13, where she used a racial slur against Black individuals. Earle, who is now 23 and based in Miami, admitted that she “did not understand the deeply offensive meaning” of the term at the time. In her apology shared on Instagram and TikTok, she emphasized that using such language was unacceptable and does not reflect her current beliefs or values. She expressed regret for any hurt caused and for any perception of prejudice.

Earle, who gained widespread fame in 2023 as a University of Miami student, boasts over 7 million TikTok followers and more than 3 million Instagram followers. Known for her “get ready with me” videos and her acne journey, she was also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s first digital issue and ranked eighth on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of influential creators.

Her apology follows the resurfacing of old posts shared on Reddit two years ago, which led to calls from her followers for her to address them. There were at least four such posts, but it’s unclear if they are still accessible or if Earle continues to use the platform where they were originally posted. Earle has not used the slur in any recent media.

Alix Earle is among several white influencers, like Brooke Schofield, who have faced criticism for past racist comments and issued apologies. Many Black creators have voiced frustration over the frequent exposure of these past remarks by white influencers and the rapid forgiveness they often receive from non-Black fans. Some feel that white creators frequently fail to grasp the full impact of their previous comments.

Earle acknowledged regret over her delayed response to the issue, reflecting on the two years since the posts resurfaced. She admitted that she let “too many people” dissuade her from addressing the situation sooner. “I am solely responsible for not speaking out promptly and trusting my instincts,” she said.

She also addressed circulating rumors about her trying to trademark her old tweets and losing brand deals, stating that her silence allowed false rumors to spread.