LaR’iyah, a 4-year-old who went viral on TikTok for line dancing to the song “Boots on the Ground,” is facing online backlash from some fans who are concerned about her level of exposure. Her mom, Latisha Tucker, has spoken out against the hate, saying it’s not fair and that LaR’iyah is being exploited.
Tucker says she knew her daughter had star power from a young age and wasn’t surprised by her viral success on TikTok. However, she was caught off guard by the speed and severity of the online backlash. Commenters have expressed concern about the amount of attention LaR’iyah is receiving, with some even threatening to report Tucker to Child Protective Services.
Experts say that parents who post their children online risk losing control over their digital footprint and exposing them to potential harm. “You can’t put the genie back in the bottle,” says Stacey Steinberg, a law professor at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. LaR’iyah has already taken part in several high-profile events as a celebrity guest, which some critics say gives adults too much access to her.
Tucker says she plans to use LaR’iyah’s earnings for future plans, such as college education, and hopes the publicity will give her daughter a platform to pursue dance or singing. Her supporters are standing by her, with many fans expressing support and encouragement on social media.
The incident highlights the challenges of raising children in the digital age, where online interactions can blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Experts warn that posting about kids online can have devastating consequences for their development and mental health.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/06/10/ms-shirley-became-a-4-year-old-tiktok-phenomenon-there-are-concerns/84111638007