On the TikTok platform, a particular fan activity exists where individuals create content romanticizing or sexualizing relationships between characters that are considered morally objectionable, harmful, or abusive. This often involves pairing characters from fiction who are antagonists or who have engaged in violent or exploitative acts. For example, content might focus on a romanticized connection between a perpetrator and victim of abuse, or between two characters who are villains.
This trend’s prevalence highlights a complex area of fandom engagement. While some view it as an exploration of darker themes within fiction, others see it as potentially harmful, trivializing serious issues like abuse, violence, and trauma. Historically, fandoms have explored morally gray areas, but the visual and easily shareable nature of TikTok amplifies the reach and potential impact of this specific type of content.
