William White, a popular figure on TikTok, is the subject of Paramount Plus’ latest documentary series, “Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout.” This two-part program delves into the rapid rise and subsequent fall of the social media influencer known for his enticing posts.
The documentary chronicles how William gained fame after a TikTok video of him lip-syncing to Barry Manilow’s “Mandy” went viral, capturing the hearts of many. Viewers are eager to explore his journey to stardom and current status now that the documentary is accessible on Paramount+.
Born in 2000, William shot to fame in January 2020 when he started posting on TikTok. Initially appealing to older women, he garnered a substantial following by sharing dance routines and lip-sync performances to classic songs from the 70s and 80s.
His fan base, particularly a group called the Grotto Girls, showered him with adoration and financial support, with one fan reportedly giving around $200,000 to the Canadian influencer. The donations were often made during his live broadcasts on TikTok or sent directly to his PayPal account.
However, tensions rose within the fan community when it was revealed that William had engaged in a romantic relationship with one of his devoted supporters, leading to discord and controversial incidents, including leaked private photos.
Facing backlash, William began interacting harshly with fans, tarnishing his image and causing some followers to distance themselves from him. In 2024, he sought solace in Greece, where he underwent a baptism witnessed by dedicated fans who had traveled from different countries to support him.
After the religious experience, William expressed a sense of transformation and hinted at a potential career shift towards acting in the future. He briefly left social media in March but made a prompt return, focusing less on ‘thirst trap’ content and setting his sights on Hollywood aspirations.
The documentary, “Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout,” is now available for streaming on Paramount+, offering viewers an in-depth look into William’s journey and the challenges he faced in the spotlight.