The TikTok ban that never happened.
The TikTok Ban That Never Was
After months of anticipation for a nationwide ban on TikTok, the law never took effect. President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump did not enforce the new rule, and U.S. users rushed to other platforms, including the Chinese‑owned RedNote, in protest. Trump delayed the ban until September, when he struck a deal to transfer majority ownership of TikTok to Americans.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Show
Kendrick Lamar headlined Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show, drawing an average of 133.5 million viewers – the most‑watched halftime ever. Cameos included SZA, Samuel L. Jackson (as Uncle Sam), and Serena Williams, while DJ Mustard appeared onstage. The performance of “Not Like Us” escalated Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group, but a federal judge dismissed the defamation suit in October.
The Labubu Craze
Pop Mart’s Labubu vinyl plush figures, sold in blind boxes, sparked a collector frenzy. Life‑size Labubus fetched more than $170,000 in China, and a black‑market of fakes called Lafufus emerged. The craze led to police involvement in California after several Labubu heists.
Blue Origin’s All‑Female Spaceflight
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket carried a historic all‑female crew: Katy Perry, CBS Mornings co‑host Gayle King, former journalist Lauren Sánchez, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, and producer Kerianne Flynn. The flight, the first all‑female mission since 1963, produced viral moments, including a meme of Perry holding a daisy and singing “What a Wonderful World.”
KPop Demon Hunters Dominate
The animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” produced by Sony Pictures Animation and released on Netflix, launched fictional groups Saja Boys and HUNTR/X to worldwide fame. Songs “Your Idol” and “Golden” topped charts for months and earned several Grammy and Golden Globe nominations. Netflix touted the film as its most‑watched movie of all time and noted its eligibility for the 98th Academy Awards.
Sydney Sweeney and the American Eagle Ad
American Eagle’s fall denim campaign featuring actor Sydney Sweeney sparked backlash over perceived racial undertones and accusations of promoting eugenics. The ad drew praise from right‑wing commentators and was dubbed “the hottest ad out there” by President Trump. In an interview with People, Sweeney said, “I’m against hate and divisiveness. In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realize that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.”
Parasocial Relationships Go Toxic
Fandoms of “Love Island USA” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty” issued anti‑bullying PSAs after online harassment escalated. Despite the PSAs, fans continued to target contestants and actors, turning parasocial relationships into vitriol.
Kiss Cam Scandal
At a Coldplay concert in July, CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot were caught on camera ducking away from a kiss cam, prompting speculation of an affair. The incident led to both executives resigning from Astronomer, the data company they headed.
Taylor Swift’s New Album and Love Story
In October, Taylor Swift released “The Life of a Showgirl,” her twelfth studio album, collaborating again with Max Martin and Shellback. The record includes upbeat tracks and lyrics hinting at a romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who proposed with a diamond ring in a garden that sparked fan frenzy.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension
ABC pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after Kimmel made jokes about the death of right‑wing figure Charlie Kirk, sparking free‑speech debates. Protesters gathered outside Disney’s studios, and celebrities threatened to sever ties. Kimmel returned a week later, criticizing Trump and attempting to smooth tensions over his comments.
Gen Alpha’s “Six Seven” Lingo
The numbers six and seven became a viral Gen Alpha slang, often accompanied by a double‑hand gesture. Teachers banned the phrase in classrooms, and In‑N‑Out Burger removed the number “67” from its ticket system amid the trend.
Diddy Trial Verdict
In October, Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison and five years of supervised release after a seven‑week trial. He was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Louvre Heist
On October 19, thieves stole $102 million worth of crown jewels from the Louvre, using a furniture‑elevator truck to break in and drilling display cases. The haul included jewels tied to Empress Marie‑Louise, Empress Eugénie, and 19th‑century queens Marie‑Amélie and Hortense. The four thieves remain at large.
David Ellison’s Media Power Play
David Ellison, the 42‑year‑old son of billionaire Larry Ellison, expanded Skydance Media’s reach by acquiring Paramount in an $8 billion deal. He now battles Netflix over Warner Bros Discovery’s film and television assets, a conflict that could reshape the industry.
White House Music Controversies
The White House faced criticism for using copyrighted music in social‑media posts. Olivia Rodrigo condemned the Department of Homeland Security for using her song “all american b—-” in a pro‑ICE video. Sabrina Carpenter rebuked the use of her track “Juno,” and SZA accused the administration of “rage baiting artists for free promo” after it used her song “Big Boy.” The videos were subsequently removed.
Key Takeaways
- TikTok’s nationwide ban never materialized, but ownership shifted to Americans.
- Kendrick Lamar’s halftime set set a new viewership record and intensified a legal battle.
- Pop culture ranged from plush‑toy crazes to spaceflight, music scandals, and high‑profile legal verdicts.
2025 was a year where memes, controversies, and headline‑making moments defined the cultural landscape.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
I’ve spent more than five years working in digital media, reporting on breaking news, local government, public safety, business growth, community events, and the real stories that shape life in Fort Worth. My goal has always been the same: to provide accurate, community-focused reporting that people can rely on every day.
