A popular TikToker focusing on rural life recently sparked controversy online after being accused of staging content for views. Specifically, in a video about cooking with lotus roots, the TikToker included a scene of themselves digging up the roots, which led to doubts about the authenticity of the content.
The TikToker’s lotus root digging scene sparked controversy (Source: TikTok)
The TikToker, L.N.T, has over 404k followers and 6.2 million likes. L.N.T gained popularity for their simple and authentic videos about rural life. However, the recent video about cooking with lotus roots has sparked a debate.
In the video, L.N.T is seen easily digging up lotus roots from the mud, simply by bending down and lifting them out. In contrast, other TikTokers’ videos show a more strenuous process of digging deep into the mud and using hands to scoop it out before accessing the roots. This discrepancy led viewers to suspect that L.N.T might have staged the scene by purchasing lotus roots and pretending to dig them up.
Strenuous lotus root digging process shown by other TikTokers (Source: TikTok @trangiasentertaiment)
Another TikToker’s strenuous lotus root digging experience (Source: TikTok @trangmini9)
Many viewers expressed their disappointment and criticism in the comments, stating that lotus root digging is not as easy as portrayed in the video, and that the TikToker might have purchased the roots instead of actually digging them up.
Comments expressing doubts about the authenticity of the content (Screen capture)
However, some viewers defended L.N.T, suggesting that the area where they dug up the roots might have been easier to access, or that they could have dug them up beforehand. Others also pointed out that the video is meant for entertainment and should not be scrutinized too closely.
Comments defending L.N.T (Screen capture)
The video has sparked a debate on social media, with mixed reactions from viewers.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
