Alix Earle and Alex Cooper’s Professional Fallout: Inside the Split of ‘Hot Mess’ from Unwell Network

Inside the Split of ‘Hot Mess’ from Unwell Network

                            Alix Earle (left)--Alex Cooper (right)                            

A rumoured professional rift between two of the internet’s biggest personalities, Alix Earle and Alex Cooper, has sparked widespread speculation among fans. Reports suggest Cooper’s Unwell Network, a subsidiary of media company Trending, has cut ties with Earle’s podcast Hot Mess, with SiriusXM also stepping back as its advertiser. While neither party has publicly addressed the claims, the alleged split raises questions about collaboration challenges in the influencer era—and whether personal tensions are at play.

The Rise of Two Digital Powerhouses

Alex Cooper: From ‘Call Her Daddy’ to Media Mogul

At 30, Alex Cooper has cemented herself as a trailblazer in podcasting. Her show Call Her Daddy, launched in 2018 under Barstool Sports with co-host Sofia Franklyn, became a cultural phenomenon for its unfiltered takes on relationships, sex, and modern womanhood. After a highly publicised split with Franklyn in 2020, Cooper transformed the podcast into a solo venture, securing a landmark $60 million exclusive deal with Spotify in 2021.

In 2023, Cooper expanded her empire by co-founding Unwell Network with husband Matt Kaplan. Marketed as a Gen Z-focused media hub, Unwell quickly signed rising stars like reality TV’s Harry Jowsey and influencer Madeline Argy. Its mission? To blend raw, relatable storytelling with high-production values.

Alix Earle: TikTok’s ‘Hot Mess’ Sensation

Alix Earle, 23, skyrocketed to fame in 2023 through her chaotic yet endearing “get ready with me” TikTok videos. Documenting her life as a University of Miami student—complete with glam routines, college parties, and candid acne struggles—Earle amassed 7.3 million TikTok followers and 4 million on Instagram. Brands clamoured to work with her, and by late 2023, she became one of Unwell Network’s flagship signings with her podcast Hot Mess.

The Unwell Partnership: A Match Made in Influencer Heaven?

When Earle joined Unwell in March 2024, the collaboration seemed promising. At the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) that month, the duo partied together at the “Unwell House,” a buzzy activation filled with panels, performances, and meet-and-greets. Social media flooded with clips of Cooper and Earle laughing, dancing, and toasting to the network’s launch.

Hot Mess initially thrived under Unwell’s promotion, with Earle interviewing guests like TikTok star Dixie D’Amelio and delving into topics from body image to navigating early adulthood. But by late 2023, fans noticed subtle shifts.

Signs of Trouble: The Super Bowl Snub and Fading Promo

In February 2024, Unwell hosted a star-studded Super Bowl event in New Orleans. Earle, who was in the city with her boyfriend, NFL player Braxton Berrios, and friends, notably skipped the party. Instead, her Instagram vlogs showed her exploring local hotspots—a move that lit up Reddit’s “influencer snark” communities.

Observers also pointed out Earle’s absence from other Unwell events, including holiday parties and brand collaborations. Meanwhile, the network’s social media accounts—once relentless in pushing Hot Mess—began prioritising other creators like Madeline Argy.

Speculation Swirls: Personal Feud or Business Decision?

While neither Cooper nor Earle has addressed the split rumours, industry insiders suggest multiple factors could be at play:

1. Creative Differences: Earle’s podcast, focusing on lighthearted Gen Z dilemmas, may have clashed with Unwell’s broader editorial vision.

2. Resource Allocation: With Unwell expanding its talent roster, resources might have been redirected to newer signings.

3. Earle’s Growing Independence: As her brand evolves, Earle could be pivoting toward ventures beyond podcasting, like her newly announced alcohol startup.

Fans, however, lean toward drama theories. Reddit threads dissect past interactions, including a since-deleted TikTok where Earle joked about “learning from mistakes”—interpreted by some as a dig at Cooper.

Alex Cooper’s History of High-Profile Splits

This isn’t Cooper’s first public business breakup. Her 2020 fallout with Sofia Franklyn over Call Her Daddy’s ownership and profits became a viral saga, dubbed the “Sofia vs. Alex” war. After months of negotiations, Cooper retained the podcast rights under Barstool Sports, while Franklyn launched Sofia with an F.

Cooper has since positioned herself as a savvy negotiator, securing a reported $100 million deal with SiriusXM in 2023 to distribute Call Her Daddy—a move that distanced her from Spotify’s exclusivity.

Barstool’s Dave Portnoy Stokes the Fire

Adding fuel to the rumours, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy shared a cryptic Instagram post on 12 March 2024: a screenshot of a 22-minute call with Earle captioned, “You can stop tagging me. I know what needs to be done.” Followers speculated Portnoy might scoop up Hot Mess, mirroring Cooper’s 2023 poaching of comedian Grace O’Malley from Barstool.

Portnoy later clarified, “Update—I didn’t call her. I just thought it was funny,” revealing his post parodied Cooper’s earlier recruitment tactics. The stunt highlighted the blurred lines between rivalry and camaraderie in digital media.

What’s Next for Alix Earle?

Earle remains mum on the Unwell rumours but is charging ahead with new projects. On 13 March, she announced an investment in an upcoming alcohol brand, set to launch in 2025. In an Instagram video, she admitted, “It’s scary… but I believe in the team and the product.”

While Hot Mess’s future is unclear, Earle’s loyal fanbase—dubbed the “Hot Mess Hive”—continues to rally behind her. Whether she revives the podcast independently or shifts focus to entrepreneurship, her influence shows no signs of waning.

The Bigger Picture: Navigating Fame in the Creator Economy

The Cooper-Earle saga underscores the volatility of influencer partnerships. As creators juggle personal brands, corporate alliances, and audience expectations, even “dream teams” can unravel. For networks like Unwell, balancing creative freedom with commercial goals remains a tightrope walk—one that’s scrutinised under the unforgiving lens of social media.

Whether this split stems from mismatched ambitions, behind-the-scenes clashes, or simply shifting priorities, one thing is clear: in the age of viral drama, the show—and the speculation—never stops.