Controversy Hits Popular ‘Trad Wife’ Influencer

Hannah Neeleman, a leading figure in the TikTok “trad wife” movement, has recently found herself at the center of a heated controversy. The “trad wife” phenomenon, which celebrates a return to traditional gender roles centered around homemaking, motherhood, and homesteading, has been popularized by influencers like Neeleman. An article in The Times, however, has challenged the public image she has cultivated. Rather than depicting her as a savvy and independent content creator, the piece presents Neeleman as someone who may have been coerced into embracing a traditional lifestyle by her affluent husband, Daniel Neeleman, whose family is notably wealthy. This portrayal contrasts sharply with the image of empowerment and choice that her millions of followers have come to associate with her Ballerina Farm brand.

Neeleman has amassed a significant following through her Ballerina Farm accounts, which boast 7.5 million followers on TikTok, 9.1 million on Instagram, and 1.6 million on YouTube. Her content offers an intimate look at her life on a sprawling 328-acre farm in Utah, where she shares her experiences of cooking from scratch, managing a diverse range of farm animals, and raising her eight children. The focus of her content is on promoting a self-sufficient lifestyle, which aligns with the traditional family values she advocates. Her portrayal of a life steeped in traditional gender roles has resonated with many, reinforcing her role as a leading advocate of the “trad wife” trend.

The Times article, however, casts a shadow over this carefully crafted image by suggesting that Neeleman’s public persona as a champion of traditional values conceals a more troubling reality. According to the article, Neeleman was influenced by her wealthy husband, Daniel Neeleman—whose father is the founder of JetBlue Airlines—to abandon her aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and embrace a life of domesticity. This narrative implies that Neeleman’s traditional lifestyle, which she promotes so passionately, may not be entirely by choice but rather a consequence of external pressures and personal sacrifices. This revelation has ignited a vigorous debate online, with some viewers questioning the ethics of promoting such a lifestyle, while others have expressed concern for Neeleman, feeling that her public persona may be masking a more complex and less fulfilling reality.

The article’s impact has been amplified by the reaction of TikTok commentator Caro Claire Burke, whose video discussing the piece has gone viral, garnering 1.6 million views. Burke described the Times article as “the most insightful profile we’ve seen on the topic of trad wives,” highlighting the intense scrutiny and widespread interest in Neeleman’s personal story. Despite the controversy, Ballerina Farm has not yet issued a public statement or responded to media inquiries regarding the article since its publication on Saturday.

In the Times profile, Neeleman’s interactions during interviews were frequently disrupted by her family, and she was often seen seeking her husband’s input for responses. The article also details Neeleman’s private admissions about her initial aspirations to become a New York City dancer, which she reportedly had to relinquish after marrying Daniel shortly after beginning their relationship. Additionally, Neeleman’s claim of being the first Juilliard undergraduate to become pregnant highlights the personal sacrifices she has made in favor of traditional family roles. The article also notes her experiences with childbirth, including a home birth without pain management and a hospital birth where she opted for an epidural—a choice she described as “kinda great.” The piece further reveals that the Neelemans do not use childcare, as Daniel reportedly prefers to avoid having nannies in the house. This choice, coupled with Neeleman’s reported bouts of severe exhaustion, has led to online speculation that she is being pushed into a lifestyle that may not align with her true desires.

The “trad wife” trend on TikTok, which features nearly 100 million posts, promotes the idea of a traditional family structure with clearly defined gender roles. This trend is often linked with Christian and particularly Mormon values, and prominent accounts like Ballerina Farm, Nara Smith (known for her homemade creations), and Estee Williams (who discusses women’s “biblical submission”) are central to this movement. Proponents argue that women should have the autonomy to choose their roles within the family, even if those roles are traditional and subordinate. Critics, however, suggest that while these influencers advocate for traditional roles, they are also running highly successful businesses. There are speculations that top influencers like Nara Smith and Hannah Neeleman could be earning substantial sums, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars per month, from their popular content, not including sponsorships.

David Neeleman, Daniel’s father, is a well-known entrepreneur who founded several airlines including JetBlue, WestJet, Azul Brazilian Airlines, Open Skies, Morris Air, and Breeze Airways. With a significant personal fortune, he has also been involved with Portugal’s TAP and is a member of the Mormon church. His extensive business ventures and substantial wealth add another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding his family and their influence on Hannah Neeleman’s life and career.