Alix Earle gave a two-sentence answer about her reading habits that quickly became the most talked-about part of a much longer interview.
During a Q&A with Interview Magazine editor-in-chief Mel Ottenberg, the 25-year-old influencer was asked to name the last book she had read. “I’ve never read a book,” Earle replied. “Like, maybe Dr. Seuss?”
PEOPLE reported that a PopCrave repost of the exchange passed 460,000 views as reactions spread beyond the original Instagram clip. Some viewers questioned whether Earle was serious, while others criticized the admission.
Earle appeared amused by the attention. She reposted coverage of the exchange to her Instagram Stories with the message, “This is sending me.”
The Interview Moved On Almost Immediately
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The reading question came during a rapid-fire conversation that moved through Earle’s hair color, dating life, fame and other topics rather than a discussion specifically about books.
After Earle mentioned Dr. Seuss, Ottenberg moved on to another question. She did not explain whether she meant that she had literally never completed a book or was exaggerating for the quick exchange.
Entertainment Weekly noted that viewers quickly began questioning the comment, with several pointing to Earle’s education while wondering how literally her answer should be taken.
Her University of Miami Degree Became Part of the Debate
Earle graduated from the University of Miami in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Miami Herbert Business School.
Her college background became one of the most common points raised in response to the clip. Commenters questioned how someone could complete high school and a four-year university program without reading a full book, while others suggested the answer sounded more like a joke than a literal account of her education.
Earle has not offered a detailed explanation of what she meant by the original statement. Her public response so far has focused on the attention the clip received rather than providing a list of books she has or has not read.
Earle Established a Scholarship at Her Alma Mater
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Earle’s relationship with the University of Miami continued after graduation. In 2023, she funded the Alix Earle Scholarship for students at the Miami Herbert Business School.
The University of Miami said the scholarship was created to support business students and reflected Earle’s desire to give back to the school after completing her degree.
Applicants are juniors or seniors pursuing business degrees, with financial need among the criteria considered for the award. The scholarship has continued supporting students since its creation.