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- From allies to rivals: the Unwell Network connection
- Why viral fame didn’t equal podcast success
- Tensions behind the scenes: jealousy and creative clashes
- How the feud escalated online
- Alex Cooper’s past controversies: Call Her Daddy fallout
- Earle’s next moves: product lines and a possible podcast comeback
Alix Earle is leaning into a public rebuke. She posted a pole-dance Instagram Reel set to Saygrace’s “You Don’t Own Me,” a move fans read as a direct shot at former mentor and podcaster Alex Cooper. The exchange is the latest chapter in a messy split between two high-profile women in the influencer and podcast worlds.
From allies to rivals: the Unwell Network connection
In August 2023, Earle joined Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network. The relationship began with warmth and shared representation. Cooper was described by insiders as a “big sister” figure early on.
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Shortly after signing, Earle launched her podcast Hot Mess in September 2023. The show hit the Spotify charts and briefly outperformed major names.
Yet the business tie ended in February 2025 when Unwell returned the podcast IP to Earle. Sources called the move unusual and notable, suggesting the split was more than routine contract work.
Why viral fame didn’t equal podcast success
Social media followings did not fully translate into sustained listenership for the show.
- Alix Earle on Instagram: about 5.6 million followers.
- Alix Earle on TikTok: roughly 8.5 million followers.
- SiriusXM handled distribution and ad sales, but did not publish detailed ratings.
An industry source said Earle’s fans didn’t become regular listeners. That shortfall was given as the business rationale for ending the partnership.
Tensions behind the scenes: jealousy and creative clashes
Insiders point to friction as Earle’s public profile rose. Her appearance in a provocative Carl’s Jr. Super Bowl commercial is cited as a flashpoint.
One account says Cooper grew jealous as Earle’s visibility increased. Another source disputed the narrative around the ad, noting Cooper told others she had no intention of taking part.
People close to the situation described long-simmering differences. Some called Cooper a “mean girl”, while others framed the split as a typical fallout when careers diverge.
How the feud escalated online
The latest flare-up began when Earle reshared a TikTok by @TheBravoMom, Ashley Tiscareno. The clip criticized Cooper’s interview tactics and accused her of exploiting subjects in crisis.
Earle’s brief caption — “Okay on it!!” — was taken by many followers as a pointed endorsement. She has not elaborated publicly since.
Allies and rivals chimed in quickly:
- Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia sided with Earle and shared a story about Cooper’s past comments.
- Cooper fired back on Instagram Stories, disputing LaPaglia’s claim and noting they had never met.
Alex Cooper’s past controversies: Call Her Daddy fallout
Cooper’s rise as the face of Call Her Daddy also involved a high-profile split. In 2020 she acquired the show’s intellectual property after leaving Barstool Sports.
Her former cohost, Sofia Franklyn, publicly accused Cooper of betrayal during contract negotiations. Franklyn said she felt blindsided and hurt by the deal.
Earle’s next moves: product lines and a possible podcast comeback
Outside the controversy, Earle has been building a business portfolio. She recently launched the Reale Actives skincare line.
She has also signaled plans to revive her podcast independently. In interviews, Earle promised a reimagined project on her own terms and hinted at elevated production in the future.
