In an unusual corporate intervention into influencer drama, fast food restaurant Carl's Jr. has issued a statement supporting social media personality Alix Earle amid her ongoing public dispute with podcast host Alex Cooper.
A company spokesperson delivered a carefully worded statement to TMZ on Wednesday, April 15, that acknowledged the online controversy while defending their business relationship with Earle. "While there seems to be plenty of beef circulating online lately, we promise ours is the juiciest. Alix's authentic style was the perfect fit for our campaign," the spokesperson stated. "She is the best in the business at post-game recovery, so it was a natural fit."
The statement represents a notable show of corporate support for the 25-year-old influencer, who has collaborated with Carl's Jr. on multiple Super Bowl commercials in recent years. Most recently, Earle appeared in a Super Bowl LX advertisement in February promoting the chain's "Hangover Burger."
According to a Carl's Jr. representative, the campaign proved highly successful for the brand. "The campaign, which was focused on giving away our Hangover Burger as the post-big game recovery cure, delivered record-breaking results," the representative confirmed.
The corporate endorsement comes as tensions between Earle and Cooper, 31, have intensified in recent weeks. At the time of Earle's 2025 Super Bowl commercial with Carl's Jr., speculation circulated that Cooper had originally sought the advertising opportunity. However, Barstool boss Dave Portnoy disputed this claim, insisting that Cooper told him, "If I had a gun to my head and 10 million dollars in a bag, I would not have done that Carl's Jr. ad."
The conflict escalated when Earle reportedly liked social media videos critical of Cooper. On Monday, April 13, the "Call Her Daddy" host broke her silence on the matter, issuing a direct challenge to Earle.
"Just say what you gotta say about me. There's no NDA, and no one is stopping you. Stop hiding behind other people and just say it yourself. What's the beef?" Cooper asked in her statement.
Cooper continued with pointed criticism, stating: "I'm really tired of waking up and seeing you using this fake drama to distract from other s*** going online for you. Not interested. I know what happened and so do you. So talk. Unless the fake narrative that you're creating happens to be way more interesting than the truth. I have nothing to hide when it comes to you and me."
She concluded her remarks by saying, "Unless you actually have something to say, I'm out. This is over. Have a good Monday, everyone."
The dispute has drawn attention from other personalities in the digital media space. The drama expanded on Wednesday to include a separate conflict between Cooper and Barstool podcaster Brianna LaPaglia, with Cooper allegedly leaking direct messages dating back two years from LaPaglia. Portnoy once again entered the fray, this time defending LaPaglia.
The public nature of the dispute highlights the complex intersection of personal relationships, business partnerships, and brand associations in the influencer economy. Carl's Jr.'s decision to publicly support Earle demonstrates how corporate sponsors navigate controversies involving their advertising partners, particularly when those partnerships have proven financially successful.
Representatives for both Earle and Carl's Jr. have been contacted for additional comment on the ongoing situation.