Social media star at 102 years old, Jake Larson, aka “Papa Jake”, published two videos on TikTok to say goodbye to his community, “his family”, he says and to implore the American president to save the Chinese platform, now banned in the United States.
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Since Sunday, it's over. Papa Jake can no longer post videos on his favorite social network, TikTok.
Still dressed in his famous gray felt hat and his “Omaha Beach survivor” shirt, he got emotional, recounting how he became a TikTok star, today with more than a million subscribers.
TikTok changed my life and catapulted me, a Minnesota farm boy, to international stardom. Thanks to the platform, I was able to influence the younger generation, who had not studied the Second World War at school. I let them know my story, read my book. Eleven experienced teachers use it in their History lessons. I wouldn't have been able to reach this many people without TikTok.
Papa Jake, American veteran of the landing of June 6, 1944
Encouraged by his granddaughter, who encouraged him to create his account, Papa Jake has been telling since May 2020 how he survived the terrifying “bloody Omaha”, June 6, 1944.
An endearing character, a wonderful storyteller, he succeeds in transmitting his memories and his values. Becoming a true hero, in the eyes of the Americans and the Normans, who saw him walk the landing beaches in recent years.
“The Best Defense Foundation saw me on TikTok and after that, they decided to take me to Normandy, where I had landed. I went to Omaha Beach three times to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day. So yes, TikTok has done a great job.”says Papa Jake.
I want to thank all TikTok followers. We are a family. And you are part of me now. You must understand that I am not a hero. I tell his stories to keep alive the memory of all those who sacrificed their lives during the war. Thanks for everything. Daddy Jake loves you from the bottom of his heart.
-Dad Jake, DDAY veteran
The portrait of Papa Jake, directed by Florent Turpin and Simon Le Pape
In April 2024, American elected officials adopted a law to prevent Chinese authorities from accessing the data of American users or attempting to manipulate opinion. It was an ultimatum to force ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to sell the application within a few months.
The social network attempted an appeal, ultimately rejected this Friday, January 17 by the US Supreme Court. But the standoff continues. In the process, TikTok announced on the social networkJoe Biden's government does not guarantee the non-application of the law.
The White House estimated that “enforcing the law should be left to the next government, which will take office on Monday”according to a statement from the spokesperson, Karine Jean-Pierre.
For his part, Donald Trump, a fan of social networks, has never been hostile to TikTok. The American President stressed, Friday, that the Court's decision must be “respected” mI said I had “need time” to rule on the fate of the Chinese platform, promising a decision “in the fairly near future.”
Papa Jake, during the 80th anniversary of the landing, during a signing session in Carentan-les-Marais, June 8, 2024
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© ARTUR WIDAK / NURPHOTO
Visibly very moved, on the verge of tears, Papa Jake even asks Presidents Biden and Trump to “sauver TikTok”, in a second video, seen by two million Internet users.
The tireless star of social networks admits not to “abandon” them yet. At 102 years old, he will continue to contribute, with his loved ones, to his Instagram and YouTube accounts.
