Who are the 'lip readers' of TikTok?

The world of celebrities is constantly under the spotlight, but recently, a scandal involving Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner, and Timothée Chalamet has particularly ignited the internet. What has especially drawn attention is how TikTok "lip readers" have taken over private conversations of the stars, speculating on what they were talking about. These new internet detectives essentially fueled the rumor and contributed to its virality. But who are they, and what is the ethics behind this practice? If you were on social media in the past few days, you have probably seen the video from the Golden Globes in which Selena Gomez is seen whispering in the ear of her friend Taylor Swift. The latter looks shocked by what the singer/actress is telling her, her expression resembling the one you have when your friend shares a juicy story with you. The sequence went viral in no time.

Since the video is without sound, social media turned to "lip readers" to decipher the conversation. Countless "lip readers" rushed to analyze what the two singers were saying. According to them, Selena Gomez allegedly asked Timothée Chalamet to take a photo together, but Kylie Jenner, Timothée's girlfriend, reportedly refused. This rumor literally set social media on fire. Some criticize the younger Jenner for her jealousy, while others blame Selena for always playing the victim and getting involved in scandals too often. "Lip readers" use specialized skills to decode conversations, often analyzing every lip movement meticulously. For example, Ninacelested describes herself as a "lip reading girl" on TikTok and regularly posts videos trying to decipher what celebrities are saying by reading their lips. She has 1.3 million followers and 61.9 million likes, making her account a success, to say the least. TismeJackieg, being deaf, might have more legitimacy than some in her ability to lip-read. Her video, "deaf girl lip reads the golden globes," accumulated 2.4 million views. Given the success of the practice, it is certain that "lip readers" play a significant role in fueling rumors.

But it is worth noting that lip reading is not a science. There is no foolproof method; much is based on speculation because different words can generate the same lip movements. Despite this, the allure of speculation and sensationalism drives enthusiasts to share their findings, creating a cycle of rumors that spread rapidly. However, some influencers go against the current and mock these lip readers and their unfounded assumptions, as Quazzomodo did in his recent video. Not only does the lack of science behind it question the legitimacy of the practice, but the ethical question also deserves to be raised. Are celebrities condemned to constant surveillance, even in their most private moments? TikTok's "lip readers" have certainly brought a new dimension to how we perceive and consume information about celebrities. The line between legitimate curiosity and excessive intrusion into private life is blurrier than ever.