Social media icon Trisha Paytas continues to shock the internet with another unexpected announcement: pregnancy. 

Paytas has been a huge figure in the social media world, and not always for the right reasons. Starting her career in 2007 with their YouTube account, Paytas has posted hundreds of videos varying from mukbangs, emotional stories from their kitchen floor and some of the most talked about controversies regarding online celebrities such as David Dobrik and Charli D’amelio. Paytas has never feared the spotlight, and even states “I just have this constant need for attention.” Paytas’ life has definitely been complicated, claiming to be culturally Jewish and then announcing their transition to the Wiccan or Pagan community, then claiming they are schizophrenic, coming out as non-bianary and now appropriating numerous religions for millions of views on the internet.

One thing about Paytas that has always been consistent is their shocking content at the most unexpected times. On February 14, Paytas took to the internet to show their positive pregnancy test on Tiktok and Instagram which announced their newest addition to the family. Husband Moses Hacmon also took to Instagram sharing the sonogram of their child with the caption “Mom and Dad.”

In Paytas’ TikTok post, they also claim they have been told they were infertile and couldn’t conceive, but disprove those claims with their test. Grossing over 17 million views, Paytas yet again shocks the internet with a new announcement, and possibly a new personality trait.

The question that remains is how will this all turn out? Paytas has demonstrated (even celebrated) throughout her career that they are mentally unstable, and often lacks a sense of awareness and concern. Their video proved to show the two sides of her fanbase: the Trisha “stans” and then the anti-fans. Their comment section is filled with mixed feelings regarding the baby, and whether or not Paytas will make for a good parent and protect the child. Some even speculate that this is all a publicity stunt, or that they’re using the pregnancy as an opportunity to create more content for videos online.  

Despite Paytas’ obvious excitement and enthusiasm, the reaction on all her social media accounts wasn’t entirely positive. While many messages flooded her comment section congratulating Paytas and their family, others remarked on Paytas’ marked history, and even began hurling insults and criticizing her. Regardless of all the negativity thrown at them, Paytas yet again follows the same pattern of ignoring backlash and leaving their audience left to talk about the issue at hand amongst themselves, keeping their name and platform relevant in any aspect possible. 

While some may argue that they are incapable of functioning properly, Trisha does show some promise that they do in fact know what they’re doing. Their shock value content hasn’t taken a fall, and definitely won’t now with this new announcement. What will Trisha surprise us with next?

Many members of Gen Z are skeptical of the announcement and wonder what is actually means.

“I hope Trisha isn’t doing this as a trend or something like that…similar to when… [internet celebrity] Danielle Cohn faked a pregnancy,” said junior Joelle Darragh. 

While Paytas has raised some eyebrows with their pregnancy, another star has been flaunting her pregnancy in a positive light. Pop singer Rihanna has taken the world by storm with her pregnancy by defying the social norms of pregnant women.

A change in attitude and sass is evident in Rihanna’s behaviors. At a red carpet event, the nine time Grammy winner walked down the aisle and a spectator yelled “You’re late!” to which she replied with “No s—.” While a new baby is on the way, a new sense of confidence and empowerment has also struck Rihanna in ways no one would think. The pop star did not express any guilt for making people wait to see her. Instead, she walked the red carpet with confidence, demanding with every swift movement that people accommodate her and her belly bump while owning every second.

Also noted by her is the new sense of acceptance, and how she feels in regard to her fashion change. “

I’m enjoying not having to worry about covering up my tummy,” Rihanna told People on the red carpet of a Fenty Beauty Universe event in Los Angeles in February.

Yet, pregnancies have been something to “hide” for decades. Even in today’s society, women are encouraged to dress conservatively while pregnant, and often shamed or harassed if they choose not to; a precursor for the swift de-sexualization of women the moment they become mothers. Rihanna isn’t here just to serve looks, she’s here to advocate and protect women’s confidence in what should be a joyous time viewed by all. 

Darragh also mentions that while she isn’t as updated with Rihanna’s pregnancy, she’s “excited and happy” and eager to see her child in the spotlight.

Another example of a woman “owning” her pregnancy is the award winning artist Halsey. After a tragic miscarriage, Halsey stepped into the spotlight once again, but not just for her new album release. Amidst the pandemic, Halsey was in the works of a new album while also carrying out a long pregnancy. Artfully, Halsey made their cover art for their album “If I Can’t Have Love I Want Power” with a mother holding her child, a symbol of the soon to be mother. Just about a month before the album release date, Halsey gave birth to her beautiful baby boy, Ender, completing the cover art of her album.

She told People magazine that “I’m glad we got to make this album when we did because being a mother to my son makes being a musician seem pretty boring.“

Motherhood has put a shift in perspective to Halsey’s musical career, however that isn’t stopping them from performing a spectacular world tour. Even with an 8-month old child, Halsey is preparing herself and her team for a world tour with her Grammy nominated album. Halsey’s determination and courage to continue performing while being a new mother is incredible, and truly inspiring. 

While all mother’s have different ways of showcasing their newest family addition, one thing that remains the same is the love and support that has yet to come. All of these women demonstrate perseverance and confidence in their bodies and are proud of who they’re going to become outside of their careers.