Olivia Jade Giannulli: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of a Social Media Star
Olivia Jade Giannulli, a well-known YouTuber and social media influencer, rose to prominence through her lifestyle, beauty, and fashion content. However, her career took a sharp turn following her family's involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal. Despite the fallout, Olivia has steadily rebuilt her public image, leveraging platforms like Dancing with the Stars and brand partnerships. This article delves into her professional journey, her early life, and her famous family background, offering insight into how she’s navigating life post-scandal.
Professional Life
From YouTube to Instagram Stardom
Olivia Jade started her YouTube career in 2014, while still in high school, focusing on beauty tutorials, makeup tips, and fashion hauls. With a natural flair for social media, her videos quickly gained traction, and within a year, she had accumulated a substantial following on both YouTube and Instagram. By 2018, her primary YouTube channel had surpassed 1.9 million subscribers, while her Instagram boasted over 1.3 million followers. She soon attracted lucrative brand deals with major companies like Sephora, TRESemmé, and Amazon, establishing herself as a beauty influencer to watch.
However, Olivia’s career faced a significant setback in 2019 following her involvement in the infamous college admissions scandal. Sephora and other major brands severed ties with her, and her online presence dwindled amidst the controversy. Yet, Olivia managed to make a comeback in 2021 by appearing on Dancing with the Stars. Her participation on the show allowed her to reconnect with her audience and reframe her narrative, presenting herself as a hardworking and empathetic individual.
Since then, Olivia has regained momentum, partnering with fashion brands like Vivrelle and Revice Denim. She’s also made appearances at high-profile events such as New York Fashion Week, signifying her return to the influencer scene.
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Born on September 28, 1999, in Los Angeles, Olivia Jade Giannulli was destined for a life in the public eye. Her mother, Lori Loughlin, is a well-known actress famous for her role on Full House, while her father, Mossimo Giannulli, is a successful fashion designer and the founder of the Mossimo brand. Olivia grew up in a privileged environment alongside her sister Isabella Rose Giannulli and an older half-brother.
Raised in Los Angeles, she attended Marymount High School and later enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC). However, her admission to USC would later become one of the most controversial aspects of her life.
The College Admissions Scandal
A Career on Hold
In 2019, the Giannulli family became embroiled in one of the largest college admissions scandals in U.S. history. Olivia’s parents were accused of paying $500,000 to falsely present both Olivia and her sister Isabella as rowing athletes to secure their admission to USC. The scandal sparked widespread outrage, leading to legal consequences for her parents and severe damage to Olivia’s career.
Following the scandal, Olivia withdrew from USC and faced significant backlash from the public and brands alike. Major retailers, including Sephora, dropped their partnerships with her, and she took a step back from her public life for nearly a year. Despite this setback, Olivia maintained her innocence in public statements, expressing remorse for her role in the situation and distancing herself from her parents’ actions.
Family Background
The Giannulli Family’s Influence
Olivia's mother, Lori Loughlin, rose to fame with her role as Aunt Becky on Full House, a show that became a cultural staple of the 1990s. Her father, Mossimo Giannulli, built a successful clothing empire with the Mossimo brand, which became a staple in major retailers like Target. Growing up in a family rooted in entertainment and fashion, Olivia was exposed to the dynamics of fame from an early age, shaping her eventual career as a public figure.
Her older sister, Isabella Rose, has also ventured into social media, though she has remained more private compared to Olivia. The two siblings share a close bond and have frequently appeared together in each other's social media posts.
Personal Life and Relationships
Love in the Limelight
Olivia Jade's love life has attracted considerable attention over the years, with rumors swirling around her relationships. She was previously in a relationship with Tyler Greenwald, a fellow social media personality. However, the two broke up in 2018 due to long-distance challenges.
She later dated Jackson Guthy, a musician, but the two also parted ways in 2019. As of late 2021, Olivia has been linked to Jacob Elordi, an Australian actor known for his role in Euphoria. The couple has maintained a relatively private relationship, though they have been spotted together at various events.
The Road to Redemption
A Careful Rebuild
The college admissions scandal could have marked the end of Olivia Jade’s career, but instead, it became a pivotal moment for reinvention. Her appearance on Dancing with the Stars was seen as a strategic PR move that allowed her to shed her "privileged" image and show a more grounded side of herself. By openly discussing her desire to move past the scandal and acknowledging her mistakes, she managed to regain a portion of her audience’s trust.
Since then, Olivia has continued to rebuild her influencer career. Her collaborations with brands like Madhappy and her return to high-profile events underscore her ability to adapt and remain relevant in a competitive space.
Conclusion
Olivia Jade’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From the heights of social media fame to the lows of public scandal, she has navigated turbulent waters with determination. Today, she stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, slowly rebuilding her brand and her reputation. As she continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Olivia can fully escape the shadow of her past and solidify her place as a lasting figure in the world of influencers.