A group of “childless cat ladies” have taken to TikTok to respond to Senator JD Vance’s controversial statements about women.
Recently, actor Jennifer Aniston made headlines for criticizing Vance’s past comments about women during a 2021 Fox News interview, where he referred to women without children as “childless cat ladies” who are unhappy and wanting to spread misery.
Aniston, who doesn’t have children, called out Vance on Instagram, expressing disbelief that such remarks were coming from a potential Vice President, highlighting the personal nature of his comments.
Now, a TikTok trend has emerged where women are editing Vance’s speech into videos showing off their pet cats in response. The trend has gained popularity, with thousands of videos already using the sound.
Cecilia Marie from Los Angeles is among the many women participating in the trend, sharing a video showcasing her black cat and sarcastically referring to herself as a “childless cat lady.” The video went viral with thousands of likes and views.
Another TikToker, Lo, shared footage of herself cuddling her cats, receiving positive comments from viewers supporting women who choose not to have children.
Joining the trend is Lucille, who emphasized that being called a “cat lady” is not an insult, showcasing her bond with her rescue cat in a playful video mimicking Vance’s speech.
Swifties, fans of Taylor Swift, also chimed in to show solidarity with childless cat women like Swift and Vice President Kamala Harris, who were indirectly referenced in Vance’s comments.
In addition to Harris and Swift, Vance targeted other prominent Democrats like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in his Fox News interview. These comments have sparked further backlash online.
The increasing number of women in the US choosing not to have children reflects shifting societal norms. Recent studies show a growing trend of childless adults, which could have implications on future elections and political engagement.
Some women on TikTok are using the viral trend to encourage voting in the upcoming election, highlighting the influence that women without children could have in shaping political outcomes.
While Vance’s sister defended him, others like political advisor Paul Begala suggested alternative candidates, indicating the ongoing impact of Vance’s remarks on the political landscape.