The Truth About Trisha Paytas

Gen-Z and Millenials have brought forth a new era of celebrity: the social media influencer. Platforms like Youtube, Instagram and TikTok have lifted the voices of thousands, if not millions, of wanna-be influencers, even rocketing a six-year-old to millionaire status (via Forbes.) With an endless amount of power and money at stake, social media has become a battleground for views and likes. So, how does one navigate the cyber wasteland? 

Trisha Paytas could answer that question. She's been a YouTube staple for over 10 years, and with close to 5 million subscribers (via Insider), it's unlikely she'll be slowing down anytime soon. Paytas has been able to create decades-worth of content in the cut-throat world of influencers by constantly re-inventing herself. One of Paytas' current obsessions is Adam Sandler. In a 2021 interview with Vulture, Paytas stated of Sandler "I want to be him ... I'm sure in six months I'm going to be someone else." In fact, when Paytas first started her YouTube channel, its essential purpose was a countdown to the release of Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Bastards." Lucky for us, Paytas continued creating and evolving her content. Now in her early 30s, Paytas has not only survived the generation of teens storming the internet, she's thrived.

Trisha Paytas has used her platform to talk about her struggle with eating disorders. The YouTube star has been candidly honest with her followers about her relationship with food, and in a 2019 interview with The Doctors Paytas admitted, "I have a lot of issues ... Binge eating has also been something for as long as I can remember where I just don't eat, literally from [age] seven. I remember just not eating Monday through Friday during the school week and just eating as much as I could Saturday and Sunday." 

Paytas' openness about her eating disorder also lead to another confession about her mental health. In addition to being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia as a teenager, Paytas also recently revealed that she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (via YouTube.) In fact, Paytas even admits to three involuntary visits to a mental health facility in 2019, following her breakup with fellow YouTuber, Jason Nash. "May [2019] was a brutal month for me. A lot of hate videos were being made" Paytas explained (via Vulture.)

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741). Or, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

Trisha Paytas' desire to push boundaries has earned her countless views and comments, but it has also almost been her downfall, earning her the title of "troll." While many of her videos and statements could be called problematic, there is also an underlying self-awareness Paytas possesses that lets her viewers know she's in on the joke. In a fan-made YouTube compilation titled, "Trisha Paytas Being a Troll" we see the influencer in her signature kitchen floor pose, spouting chaotic conspiracy theorist claims from Face-timing "a reptilian" to being stalked by a vampire. Unfortunately for Paytas, her fan-base has taken a major hit due to some videos that haven't aged well.

In another YouTube compilation we see cancellable content like Paytas defending Woody Allen, and even using racial slurs. Luckily, Paytas has apologized for her past mistakes and has made a commitment to growth and introspection in 2021 by cutting out multiple toxic friendships. (via YouTube)

On H3 podcast "Frenemies" Paytas explained to co-host Ethan Klein why she ended her decade-long friendship with YouTube star Shane Dawson after he refused to take her side in a feud with beauty guru Jeffree Starr (via Yahoo News.). "He's never publicly defended me ... Never once did he come to my defense for anything" (via YouTube). In fact, Dawson and his fiancee went so far as to defend Starr (via YouTube.) Paytas took to YouTube to announce her friendship "break-up" with Dawson and once she closed the door on him, the flood gates of past rumors opened. Dawson had allegedly been disloyal their entire friendship. 

"Other YouTubers that were also mutual friends of us said [Dawson] talked sh** about me," Paytas stated. The most disturbing example being that Dawson started a rumor about Paytas' sexual health status. "I've always heard ... [YouTube star] Gabbie Hannah said that he was the one who told her I had herpes." This isn't the first time Paytas has feuded with a YouTuber. Who can forget when she famously cut ties with the Vlog Squad? 

While Paytas takes a step toward maturity by cutting out these toxic friendships, it's not without consequences. A small inner-circle of trusted allies can get lonely. Paytas often jokes that she has no friends besides her fiancee Moses, co-host Klein and his wife Hila. Hopefully Paytas sticks with the trusty trio, and continues to not only create content on her channels, but grow as an individual.