Hacks Star Megan Stalter Announces TikTok Exit Over ICE Policies and Censorship
Megan Stalter, the 35-year-old actress and comedian known for her role as Kayla Schaefer on HBO Max's Hacks, has declared she is leaving TikTok, citing the platform's policies linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and claims of being censored for her anti-ICE views.
Alleged Censorship and Platform Exodus
Stalter made the announcement on her Instagram page, where she detailed her frustrations with TikTok's content moderation. She stated, 'I've tried for hours to upload the same video and it wouldn't show it to one person.' According to Stalter, she was unable to upload any content related to ICE, even when attempting to disguise it as comedy clips to bypass the algorithm. She urged her followers with the message, 'ABOLISH ICE! Delete TikTok!' and later added, 'Let's delete the app love you!' In a further post, she explained, 'TT is under new ownership and we are being completely censored and monitored.' Stalter confirmed she would be downloading her videos and deleting her TikTok page, emphasising that she would no longer upload content if subjected to such censorship.
Broader Concerns Over User Data and Policies
Beyond the censorship issues, Stalter highlighted another reason for her departure: TikTok's policies regarding user data. She expressed concerns that the platform collects statistics on users' health, religious beliefs, race, gender, and sexual activities. This adds to her critique of the app's operations under its new ownership, which she believes compromises user privacy and freedom of expression.
Personal and Political Statements
In a statement shared earlier on Sunday, Stalter, who identifies as a gay Christian, elaborated on her views, connecting her faith to her political stance. She wrote, 'I have never ever been a Republican, but I have loved God and Jesus my whole entire life.' Stalter argued that Jesus was executed for challenging systemic power, drawing parallels to contemporary issues. She urged fellow Christians to follow biblical teachings, quoting, 'when a foreigner resides among you, do not mistreat them.' Stalter condemned ICE's actions, stating, 'Our neighbors are being hunted and kidnapped and attacked daily; our government is killing people, and they are lying to us.' She concluded with a firm belief that abolishing ICE aligns with her interpretation of Christian values, saying, 'I truly, truly believe that is exactly what Jesus would do.'
Context of Recent Events
Stalter's decision comes amid heightened criticism of ICE following recent violent incidents. She joined other celebrities in speaking out after the fatal shooting of VA nurse Alex Pretti at a Minneapolis protest on Saturday. This event occurred less than a month after the deadly January 7 shooting of Minneapolis protester Renee Nicole Good, adding urgency to calls for reform and abolition of ICE. Stalter's move reflects a growing trend of public figures using their platforms to advocate for social justice, while also challenging tech companies over their policies and allegiances.
