Fanbase founder Isaac Hayes III has issued an “apology” to creator Franchesca Ramsey after a heated social media clash that had the internet buzzing over the weekend.
The Backstory: How It All Started
This drama traces back to January, when TikTok’s future was uncertain, and creators were scrambling to find alternative platforms.
Many urged Black creators to migrate to Fanbase, the Black-owned social media platform founded by Isaac Hayes III.
After some of her followers pressured her to join, Franchesca Ramsey posted a TikTok video questioning whether Fanbase was a high-quality app, noting that no one had provided a compelling reason to switch beyond the fact that it was Black-owned.
Her video quickly went viral, sparking a heated debate.
Some agreed with her concerns, while others criticized her for not supporting a Black-owned platform.
Watch the video that started it all below.
Franchesca later posted another video where she doubled down on the fact that she made the right decision in not supporting the app based on recent statements from Isaac.
Isaac Hayes III Fires Back At Franchesca Ramsey
It wasn’t long before Isaac Hayes III caught wind of the discourse.
His response? A 16-image Instagram carousel aimed at Franchesca Ramsey, in which he went so far as to dig up an old photo of her and her white ex-husband—seemingly implying she was “not like us.”
The post was eventually deleted, but not before Franchesca documented it in a TikTok for the world to see.
@franchesca_leigh #greenscreen #greenscreenvideo @Isaac Hayes III @Fanbase #fyp ♬ original sound – Franchesca Ramsey
The Fallout & ‘Apology’
Fast forward to Sunday: countless users have deleted the Fanbase app, and women across social media have called out Isaac Hayes III for his behavior. Facing mounting backlash, he issued an “apology.”
Watch the so-called apology video below.
Spoiler alert: Franchesca Ramsey did NOT accept.
My Thoughts As A Fanbase Investor
Full transparency: I’m a Fanbase investor.
I backed the platform a few years ago because I believed in supporting a Black-owned social media space.
However, despite my best efforts, I rarely use the app.
After multiple attempts, I had to “throw in the tile” like Tyrese.
The user experience leaves much to be desired, and I often leave feeling frustrated.
Unfortunately, social media antics like this only further tarnish Isaac Hayes III’s reputation and do little to boost Fanbase.
Hopefully, he learns from this fiasco and moves forward with the intent to do better.
