Fact Check: "Mikayla Raines built a following of 4 million on YouTube."
What We Know
Mikayla Raines was an animal rescue activist and YouTube star who tragically died by suicide at the age of 29. Her husband, Ethan Raines, shared that she had built a significant following on social media, particularly on YouTube, where she had over 2.4 million subscribers (NBC News). Raines was known for her work with her nonprofit organization, SaveAFox Rescue, which focused on rescuing foxes from fur farms (NBC News).
Despite the claim that she built a following of 4 million, the evidence indicates that her subscriber count was actually 2.4 million (People). This discrepancy is crucial in evaluating the accuracy of the claim.
Analysis
The claim that Mikayla Raines had a following of 4 million on YouTube is false. The most credible sources indicate that she had approximately 2.4 million subscribers, which is significantly lower than the claimed figure (NBC News, People).
The sources reporting her subscriber count are reputable news outlets, which generally adhere to journalistic standards. NBC News and People Magazine are established organizations with a history of reliable reporting, particularly on sensitive topics such as mental health and suicide (NBC News, People).
While there may be some confusion or exaggeration in social media discussions surrounding her following, the verified statistics from these sources provide a clear and factual basis for the actual number of her subscribers.
Conclusion
The claim that Mikayla Raines built a following of 4 million on YouTube is false. The verified information shows that she had approximately 2.4 million subscribers, which is far below the stated figure. The discrepancy highlights the importance of relying on credible sources for accurate information.
