Following in the footsteps of TMZ and Perez Hilton, Sloan Hooks’ ‘Let’s Get Into It’ podcast focuses on celebrity scandal and the dark side of Hollywood. But after being accused of spreading conspiracy theories, can this small-town boy still achieve his American dream?
You grew up in small-town Virginia. How was growing up there for you, and what did your coming-out experience look like?
Growing up in a small town in Virginia had its challenges, especially when it came to expressing myself. The community was tight-knit, which meant everyone knew everyone else’s business. Coming out at 14 was a daunting experience, but it also became a pivotal moment in my life. I was the only person in my town who identified as gay, and it posed plenty of challenges. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped me into the person I am today, giving me the courage to be open and authentic in my work and personal life.
What inspired you to move to LA?
Moving to LA was a dream that evolved from my passion for pop culture and entertainment. I wanted to be at the heart of the industry and live in the gayest city in the world, West Hollywood, where I could not only witness but also influence the narratives being told. LA is a hub of creativity and opportunity, and it felt like the right place to expand my career and connect with like-minded individuals. My dream is to host my own show, and Los Angeles is the spot to make it happen.
How long have you been creating content around Hollywood celebrities, and how did you get into that line of work?
I’ve been creating content around Hollywood celebrities since I launched my self-titled YouTube channel, SLOAN, in December 2019. My fascination with pop culture and the stories behind the headlines naturally led me to this path. I started by sharing my perspectives on various celebrity news and scandals, and my unique take resonated with viewers. Over time, my content evolved into uncovering deeper, often overlooked issues within the industry, which helped me build a dedicated following.
Your videos gained notoriety with your unique perspective on the ‘Free Britney’ movement, with Britney’s former manager Sam Lutfi serving as one of your sources. Can you tell us a bit about that time and the impact you feel this had on your career?
Covering the ‘Free Britney’ movement was a significant period for me. It was not just about reporting a story, but about advocating for Britney’s human rights. When Sam Lutfi reached out and provided receipts, it validated my efforts and gave me a unique angle to present to my audience. The support and engagement from fans were overwhelming. We started an entire movement and freed one of pop’s most iconic stars. This coverage solidified my reputation as a credible source and showed the power of fan advocacy in influencing legal and public opinion.
What are the hottest Hollywood gossip stories right now, do you think?
Currently, some of the hottest gossip stories include the ongoing drama between Central Cee and Ice Spice, with their complicated love triangle involving Madeline Argy. There’s also a lot of buzz around celebrity feuds and breakups, as well as the latest in the Kardashian-Jenner family’s lives. These stories captivate audiences because they offer a glimpse into the personal lives of public figures, making them relatable and intriguing. Sometimes shocking!
Which celebrities attract the most views when you create content about them, and why do you think they attract so much public interest?
I try to tap into meaningful stories about celebrities that people care about. Whether these are celebrities who can’t stay out of the public eye or stars who live mysteriously, people have a general interest in the lives of entertainers. Celebrities who have made strong impressions typically garner more attention. They don’t have to be super attractive or wealthy to end up having the world fixated on them, just interesting. I mean, look at Gypsy-Rose Blanchard!
How do you enjoy LA life, and do you see yourself staying there for the long term?
I absolutely love LA life. The city is vibrant and full of opportunities, especially in the entertainment industry. The weather is fantastic, and there’s always something happening. I’ve never lived in a city where I’ve felt so accepted as a gay man. As a young boy, I’d dream of living somewhere where I can hold my partner’s hand without fear, and now that’s my reality.
Ultimately, how would you like to build your content creation? Do you see yourself remaining in the celebrity gossip sphere long-term?
I aim to continue expanding my content creation to cover a broader range of topics, including more in-depth documentaries and investigative pieces. While celebrity gossip will always be a part of my brand, I want to delve deeper into issues like mental health, exploitation in Hollywood and other significant cultural topics. My goal is to create content that not only entertains but also informs and advocates for positive change.
We can all be guilty of spending too much time on our phones and social media, but I imagine that’s even harder for you, as you need to post frequently and stay up-to-date on what’s happening. How do you take care of your mental health?
Taking care of my mental health is crucial, especially with the constant demand to stay updated and engaged. I make it a point to take regular breaks from social media and spend time doing activities that relax and rejuvenate me, like going for walks, exercising or socializing. Setting boundaries and having a routine helps me manage my time effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I also have an amazing team who keep everything afloat.
Over the past year, many of the comments online have begun to accuse you of being a ‘conspiracy theorist’ with rumours of celebrities sending you cease-and-desist letters and filing lawsuits. Can you tell us a bit about how your content has evolved, what (if any) truth there is to these rumours, and your response to those accusing you of spreading conspiracy theories?
Over the past year, my content has evolved to focus even more on uncovering hidden truths and giving a voice to those often unheard. That’s it. This dedication has sometimes led to powerful people spreading false narratives about my mission. Last week, Jersey Shore star Angelina Pivarnick sent me a fake cease-and-desist letter to intimidate me and stop my coverage of certain stories. It’s moments like these that reassure me that I am on the right path. Remember, the Free Britney movement was labelled as a conspiracy theory by her father in the media. Look where that got him.
While some may label my work as conspiracy theories, my goal is always to present well-researched and credible information. These accusations often come from those who feel threatened by the truths I’m uncovering. My commitment to transparency and integrity remains unwavering, and I continue to stand by my investigative work.
Check out @sloanhooks on YouTube, Instagram, X and TikTok.
