The Unlikely Partnership That Sparked a Feud
In the summer of 2023, two of the most recognizable names in digital media seemed like a perfect match. Alex Cooper, fresh off the massive success of her Call Her Daddy podcast, launched The Unwell Network on August 8. Her first major signing was Alix Earle, the Miami-based influencer who had taken TikTok by storm with her unfiltered “get ready with me” videos and candid college anecdotes. At the time, Alex described Alix as someone who “took the U.S. by storm” with her charming personality and relatable lifestyle. The partnership felt natural. Alex had the platform and business savvy; Alix had the youthful energy and a rapidly growing fanbase.
For about a year, things appeared smooth. Alix launched her own podcast, Hot Mess, under the Unwell umbrella. She appeared at Unwell events and seemed genuinely excited about the collaboration. But behind the polished social media posts and joint appearances, tensions were quietly building. The friendship that fans adored was about to fracture in a very public way.
What follows is a chronological breakdown of the seven most significant events that turned a promising business partnership into a messy, ongoing public dispute. Each moment reveals a layer of the conflict that has kept fans and media outlets speculating for over a year.
1. December 25, 2024: Alix’s Father Hints at Trouble
The first real sign that something was wrong came on Christmas Day 2024. Alix Earle’s father, TJ Earle, appeared on an episode of Hot Mess and made a cryptic comment about having “hard conversations with people.” While he did not name names, the timing and context suggested he was referring to business dealings involving his daughter. TJ Earle had reportedly become more involved in Alix’s career decisions, and sources later claimed he was not impressed with how Unwell was handling things. This was the moment many fans began to suspect that the partnership was not as harmonious as it appeared.
2. February 7, 2025: The Super Bowl Party Snub
By early 2025, the cracks were becoming visible. On February 7, Unwell hosted a Super Bowl party in New Orleans. Alix Earle was notably absent. Fans immediately noticed and began speculating about a rift. When Alix did not attend one of the network’s biggest promotional events, it felt like a deliberate statement. The absence was loud enough to generate headlines and confirm that something was off between the two influencers.
3. February 25, 2025: Unwell Drops Hot Mess
Just over two weeks later, the situation escalated dramatically. Variety reported on February 25 that Unwell had officially dropped Alix’s podcast, Hot Mess. This was not a mutual pause or a friendly parting. The network severed ties with the show. For Alix, this meant losing the infrastructure and support that Unwell provided. For Alex, it signaled that the partnership was no longer viable. The next day, a source told Us Weekly that the two women had “clashed over business” and that their friendship was over. The source added that Alix’s father played a key role in the split, believing that Unwell was not a smart business move for his daughter.
4. February 28, 2025: Alix Claims She Has “No Idea”
Three days after the news broke, Alix took to TikTok to address the swirling rumors. In a video that seemed deliberately vague, she said, “There’s been a lot of chatter online this week about me and work. I also have no idea what’s going on.” This response frustrated many fans who wanted clarity. It also fueled speculation that Alix was either legally constrained from speaking openly or strategically avoiding the topic. The lack of transparency only made the gossip more intense.
5. May 22, 2025: Alix Calls the Departure “A Little Bit of a Hot Mess”
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Alix offered her most direct comment yet. She described her departure from Unwell as “behind the scenes, a little bit of a hot mess.” The phrase was a clever nod to her podcast’s name, but it also confirmed that the split was far from smooth. This interview marked a turning point: Alix was now publicly acknowledging that the partnership had been problematic. She did not go into specifics, but the implication was clear. The business relationship had soured, and the personal friendship had collapsed along with it.
6. August 1, 2025: Alix Hints at Revenge
By August 2025, Alix seemed ready to speak more openly. She posted a TikTok referencing her Co-Star astrology app, which told her it was time for “revenge.” She said, “I have so much information. We could go.” When a commenter directly asked her to share what happened with Alex Cooper, Alix replied, “How much time do you have?” This was the most aggressive move Alix had made publicly. It suggested that she had a story to tell and was waiting for the right moment to tell it. The response also indicated that the feud was far from resolved.
7. April 13, 2026: Alex Calls Out Alix Publicly
The feud reached its most dramatic peak in April 2026. On April 13, Alex Cooper released a TikTok video directly calling out Alix. She accused Alix of being passive-aggressive with reposts and likes on social media. “Hey girl, the passive aggressive reposts and the likes and the commenting on things—I’ve got to call you out here,” Alex said. She emphasized that Alix had never signed a non-disclosure agreement, so there was no legal reason for her to stay silent. “Stop hiding behind other people and just say it yourself,” Alex added. The video was blunt, confrontational, and unprecedented in its directness. The next day, Alix responded by posting footage of herself watching Alex’s callout TikTok. She did not offer a verbal reply, but the visual spoke volumes. The feud was now playing out in real time on both women’s platforms.
The Role of Outside Figures in the Feud
No major influencer feud exists in a vacuum. Several other personalities have entered the conversation, adding layers of complexity to the dispute.
David Portnoy’s Commentary
Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy weighed in on the feud in April 2026. He claimed to have inside information, mentioning a Carl’s Jr. commercial and shared public relations strategies. Portnoy’s involvement brought a different audience into the drama. His blunt style and willingness to name names added fuel to an already blazing fire. He suggested that Alix should focus on her own work rather than engaging in public disputes.
Brianna LaPaglia and the DM Screenshots
On April 15, 2026, Brianna LaPaglia entered the discourse. Alex Cooper shared screenshots of direct messages that allegedly involved LaPaglia. The exact content of those messages remains unclear, but their release signaled that the feud was expanding beyond the two main figures. It also suggested that Alex was willing to expose private conversations to defend her side of the story.
Alix Earle’s Pole-Dancing Response
On April 19, 2026, Alix posted a video of herself pole dancing to the song “You Don’t Own Me.” The caption read, “Sorry been busy filming this week.” The choice of song was unmistakable. “You Don’t Own Me” is a classic anthem of independence and defiance. Alix appeared to be sending a message that she was not controlled by Alex or anyone else. The video went viral, with fans interpreting it as a confident, if cheeky, response to Alex’s callout. It also reinforced Alix’s brand as someone who does not back down from confrontation.
The Impact on Alix Earle’s Career
The feud has had tangible consequences for Alix Earle’s professional trajectory. After leaving Unwell, she paused her podcast indefinitely. In March 2025, she told fans that she could not get into the details of why. She mentioned that she was proud of what she had built but needed to step away. This pause left a gap in her content strategy. For a creator who built her following on consistency and daily uploads, stepping back from a major project was a significant risk.
On the other hand, the feud has kept her name in headlines. Every cryptic post and passive-aggressive like generates engagement. Whether this attention translates into long-term career growth remains to be seen. Some industry observers argue that feuds can boost short-term metrics but damage credibility over time. Alix’s ability to pivot to new projects will determine whether this chapter helps or hurts her.
Alex Cooper’s Position and Reputation
Alex Cooper has positioned herself as the more established figure in this conflict. With a multi-million dollar podcast network and a loyal audience, she has less to lose from the drama. Her callout video was a calculated move. By publicly challenging Alix to speak directly, Alex framed herself as transparent and willing to address issues head-on. She also denied being the reason Alix paused her podcast, stating clearly that she was not to blame.
However, deleting the Britney Spears “Circus” Instagram post in October 2025 suggests that Alex is not immune to the pressure. The post, which many interpreted as a dig at Alix’s Dancing with the Stars performance, was removed after backlash. This deletion indicates that even the most confident public figures sometimes retreat when the narrative turns against them.
You may also enjoy reading: 7 ‘The Valley’ Season 3 Relationships Still Together?.
What the Feud Reveals About Influencer Partnerships
The Alex Cooper and Alix Earle feud is not just celebrity gossip. It highlights real challenges in the creator economy. When two influencers with strong personal brands collaborate, the line between friendship and business can blur. Expectations about creative control, revenue sharing, and public image often go unspoken. When those expectations clash, the fallout can be messy.
According to a 2024 study by the influencer marketing platform Klear, about 37% of brand-influencer partnerships end before their intended term due to creative differences. While the Alex Cooper and Alix Earle situation is not a brand deal, the same dynamics apply. Both parties want to protect their image. Both want to control their narrative. When those narratives diverge, conflict is almost inevitable.
For aspiring creators, this feud offers a cautionary tale. Before signing a network deal, it is wise to clarify expectations around content ownership, decision-making authority, and exit strategies. Having a clear contract and open communication channels can prevent misunderstandings from escalating into public drama.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alex Cooper and Alix Earle Feud
Did Alix Earle and Alex Cooper have a falling out?
Yes. Multiple sources confirmed in February 2025 that the two women clashed over business decisions and that their friendship ended as a result. The public feud has continued through social media posts and interviews.
Why did Unwell drop Alix Earle’s podcast?
Unwell officially dropped Hot Mess in February 2025. Reports indicate that Alix’s father became more involved in her business decisions and did not approve of Unwell’s direction. Creative and financial disagreements led to the split.
Did Alix Earle sign an NDA with Alex Cooper?
Alex Cooper stated publicly in April 2026 that Alix never signed a non-disclosure agreement. This means Alix is legally free to discuss the details of their partnership and falling out.
What did Alix Earle say about the feud in The Wall Street Journal?
In May 2025, Alix told The Wall Street Journal that her departure from Unwell was “behind the scenes, a little bit of a hot mess.” She did not provide specific details but acknowledged that the situation was chaotic.
Is the feud between Alex Cooper and Alix Earle still ongoing?
As of mid-2026, the feud appears to be ongoing. Both women have made public statements and social media posts referencing the conflict. There has been no indication of a reconciliation.
What Comes Next for Both Influencers
Predicting the outcome of a public feud is always tricky. For Alix Earle, the path forward likely involves new business ventures outside the podcast space. Sources have hinted that she is working on “bigger projects” not related to podcasting. Her TikTok presence remains strong, and she continues to engage her audience with a mix of lifestyle content and cryptic commentary.
For Alex Cooper, the focus remains on expanding The Unwell Network. Despite the drama with Alix, the network has signed other creators and continues to produce content. Alex’s brand is built on resilience and directness. She is unlikely to back down from the feud, but she may choose to ignore it if it stops generating engagement.
One thing is certain: the audience is watching closely. Every like, repost, and comment is analyzed for hidden meaning. The feud has become a source of entertainment for millions. Whether it ends with a private conversation or another public callout, the Alex Cooper and Alix Earle timeline is far from over.
