By Losa Huntington
Drew Afualo, born on September 18, 1995, in Southern California’s Inland Empire, has rapidly emerged as a formidable voice in digital media, renowned for her sharp humor and unwavering advocacy against misogyny. Raised in a Samoan family, Drew credits her heritage for instilling in her a robust sense of self and a fearless approach to confronting societal injustices.
From a young age, Drew was immersed in the rich traditions of her Samoan culture. Growing up as the middle child between an older sister, Deison, and a younger brother, Donovan, she was surrounded by a family deeply rooted in Samoan values. Her father, Tait Afualo, who played professional football, along with her grandfather and uncle, exemplified the family’s strong ties to their heritage. This cultural backdrop fostered Drew’s self-confidence and humor, qualities she attributes to her upbringing. In an interview, she reflected on her family’s influence, stating, “We like to roast [and] make fun of each other because it’s fun, [not] because we hate each other.”
Pursuing her passion for sports journalism, Drew attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she served as the sports editor for the student newspaper, Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi. She actively engaged in the university’s athletics department and aspired to become “the next Bob Costas.” After earning her degree in communications with a focus on sports journalism, she secured a position as a digital media coordinator for the NFL. However, her tenure was cut short due to layoffs, leaving her at a crossroads just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Embracing this unexpected turn, Drew turned to TikTok in March 2020, encouraged by her boyfriend, Pili Tanuvasa. Initially sharing personal anecdotes, she quickly gained attention for her incisive responses to misogynistic and fatphobic content. Her distinctive high-pitched laugh and sharp wit resonated with a growing audience, propelling her follower count to over eight million by March 2023. Drew’s content, often described as “roasting” those with bigoted views, has earned her titles such as “TikTok’s ‘Crusader for Women.’”
Drew’s Samoan heritage remains a cornerstone of her identity and public persona. She proudly showcases her culture, notably wearing a custom dress by Samoan designer Nancy Elizabeth, featuring a tapa cloth corset, to the Black Adam premiere. During the event, she conversed in Samoan with actor Dwayne Johnson, highlighting the importance of representation. She also bears a malu, a traditional Samoan tattoo for women of royal lineage, on the back of her left hand, symbolizing her deep connection to her roots.
In addition to her TikTok presence, Drew hosts the podcasts “The Comment Section,” produced by Brat TV, and “Two Idiot Girls,” co-hosted with her sister, Deison. These platforms allow her to delve deeper into discussions on feminism, culture, and societal issues, further amplifying her impact. Her journey from a sports journalist to a prominent digital advocate exemplifies how embracing one’s heritage and leveraging personal strengths can carve a unique and influential path in today’s media landscape.
Drew Afualo’s rise to prominence is a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience. By intertwining her cultural heritage with a fearless commitment to challenging societal norms, she has established herself as a leading voice for women’s empowerment and representation in the digital age.
The New Atoll 
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