The Holderness Family are American internet personalities best known for their Facebook and YouTube channels, which have over 5 million combined subscribers and over 1 billion total views. They create family-centered parodies, skits, and vlogs that often feature their two children, Lola and Penn Charles.
The Black Lash of 2018
The Holderness Family Controversy, also known as the “Black Lash,” refers to a debate that arose in 2018 over the 1944 holiday song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” The song, which depicts a man trying to persuade a woman to stay with him on a cold night, has been criticized for its problematic lyrics that imply coercion and lack of consent.
The Holderness Family, who had previously made a parody of the song in 2014, decided to rewrite the lyrics to emphasize consent and respect in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The new version, titled “Baby, Just GO Outside,” featured lines such as “I really can’t stay / OK, you’re free to go” and “I’ve got to go away / Understood, no means no”.
The video, which was posted on December 5, 2018, quickly went viral and received mixed reactions from the public. Some praised the family for their progressive and humorous take on the song, while others accused them of ruining a classic and being too sensitive. The controversy also sparked a larger discussion on the cultural and historical context of the song, and whether it should be banned or celebrated.
According to Kim Holderness, the wife and mother of the family, they decided to put the song out because both she and her husband had been sexually harassed in the past, and they wanted to make a statement about the importance of consent. She also said that they did not intend to offend anyone or take away their enjoyment of the original song.
The Pandemic Parodies of 2020
The Holderness Family mainly received a lot of backlash in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. During the pandemic, the family created several parodies and jokes regarding the coronavirus and lockdown. Some of their videos included a Hamilton medley about wearing a mask, a Frozen parody about homeschooling, and a rap song about toilet paper shortage.
Some viewers found the videos to be entertaining and relatable, while others criticized the family for being insensitive and privileged. Some of the common complaints were that the family was making light of a serious situation, that they were flaunting their wealth and comfort, and that they were out of touch with the reality of many people who were suffering from the pandemic.
According to Penn Holderness, the father and husband of the family, they made the videos to cope with their own stress and anxiety, and to spread some joy and laughter to their fans. He also said that they were aware of their privilege and that they donated to several charities and causes to help those in need.
The Future of the Holderness Family
Despite the controversies and criticisms, the Holderness Family continues to create content and engage with their audience. They have also expanded their brand to include podcasts, books, and merchandise. They have also collaborated with other celebrities and influencers, such as John Legend, Kristen Bell, and Jimmy Fallon.
The Holderness Family has stated that they are not afraid to express their opinions and values, and that they respect the views of others. They have also said that they are grateful for their fans and their support, and that they hope to inspire and entertain people with their videos.
The Holderness Family Controversy is an example of how a viral family can spark debates on social media over various topics and issues. The family has faced both praise and backlash for their parodies, skits, and vlogs, and has shown how they deal with the challenges and opportunities of being internet personalities.