Kelley Heyer, the creative force behind the viral TikTok Apple dance, is calling for an end to the online trolling targeting a fellow Charli XCX fan. Her video from the New York leg of the Sweat tour sparked a wave of negative comments against an unsuspecting concert-goer.
This unexpected backlash has pained Kelley, who did not anticipate her light-hearted dance video would lead to such a response. The video, meant to embody the fun and communal spirit of ‘brat summer,’ has unfortunately taken a negative turn.
A Viral Moment Turns Sour
Kelley Heyer’s TikTok video, which showcased the Apple dance at Charli XCX’s New York concert, went viral for all the wrong reasons. A fan who stepped into the frame was met with online abuse relating to her behaviour and appearance. ‘I feel really bad for her because she’s being treated unfairly by the internet,’ Kelley shared.
Kelley added, ‘I didn’t want to be someone who tears down this girl for something that was a mistake.’ She has since connected with the other woman, who apologised, and explained that they’re on good terms, emphasising that the backlash is not justified.
The Brat Phenomenon
The viral Apple dance has created a significant cultural impact, resonating with millions of people online. Named after Charli XCX’s album, it has inspired countless dance videos synced to the lyrics of Apple, capturing the essence of ‘brat summer.’
Brat summer, according to Kelley, is about community and support. She believes that the negativity stemmed from individuals outside this community. ‘Tearing other women down [and] being fatphobic, that’s not brat,’ Kelley firmly stated.
Credit for Apple’s Success?
The song Apple has been streamed over 172 million times on Spotify and peaked at number eight in the Official UK Singles Chart. Kelley, living in the Big Apple, reveals her dance played a part in this success. She felt the song was initially underappreciated and wanted to make it stand out.
‘Maybe people were kind of sleeping on it,’ Kelley pondered. She began using TikTok during the COVID pandemic, creating her first ever dance to showcase this track. Despite her critical role, she remains humble about her contribution, crediting Charli XCX’s artistry as the core reason for the song’s popularity.
@kelley.heyer Replying to @weewee I changed the first move a weeeee bit. Top is by @Alvaro !! I didn’t have anyone else home so I couldn’t lace it all the way.
Regrets and Realities of Viral Fame
Kelley has expressed some regrets about the commercial aspects of creating the dance for free. She noted that while user engagement on TikTok is gratifying, seeing large brands and influencers use her dance without credit disappoints her.
‘That could have been a really good opportunity, really good exposure for me,’ Kelley admitted. Despite these misgivings, she continues to appreciate the organic success and virality of her creation.
Ongoing Opportunities
Kelley has started receiving offers from record labels and artists requesting her to create dances for their tracks. However, she often declines these offers, emphasizing the significant effort required to make something go viral.
She recalled, ‘I posted Apple every day for two weeks before it went viral and even started to gain traction.’ Kelley believes that the authenticity of her content was key to its success, as it wasn’t influenced by commercial interests.
Authenticity Over Commercialisation
Kelley strongly believes that the authenticity behind the Apple dance was a fundamental factor in its widespread appeal. She argues that people are adept at spotting fake authenticity and sponsored content, which can undermine genuine engagement.
‘We’re inundated by fake authenticity and sponsored content and stuff like that. So I think people are really searching for true authenticity,’ she stated. Kelley’s approach underscores the value of sincerity and passion over commercial gain.
Community Spirit Above All
Ultimately, Kelley remains committed to the community-driven spirit of ‘brat summer.’ She continues to advocate for positivity and unity, urging fans to support one another rather than engage in harmful criticism.
Her message is clear: ‘Brat is community and you support your community.’ She hopes that this ethos will guide her followers, bringing an end to the bullying and negativity that have marred an otherwise joyful trend.
Kelley Heyer’s TikTok dance, inspired by Charli XCX’s Apple, underscores the power and reach of social media trends. However, it also highlights the darker side of internet fame, where unintended consequences like online trolling can emerge.
Through her advocacy for positivity and community support, Kelley sets a powerful example. She hopes to turn the focus back to the joyful spirit of ‘brat summer,’ fostering a more supportive and inclusive online environment.
