Explosive Billboard Sparks Renewed Allegations Against Influencer James Charles

In Los Angeles, a new billboard has emerged, bringing back to public attention the allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct that have surrounded beauty influencer James Charles since 2021.

Located at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Colby Avenue, the billboard features the text, “SAY, JAMES, I HEAR YOU TEXT EM YOUNG*,” alongside an image of the influencer. It made its appearance on Saturday morning.

The initiative was funded by Ted Entertainment, a company co-owned by comedian and podcaster Ethan Klein. Klein has been outspoken about his disapproval of Charles’ efforts to revive his career following the controversy and his subsequent apology.

According to Klein, who shared in an Instagram video that the billboard cost $10,000, it also includes a search bar labeled “James Charles Allegations.” It references a BBC article from April 2021 titled, “James Charles: YouTube star admits messaging 16-year-old boys,” pointing to Charles’ now-removed YouTube apology.

“This is the only good idea I’ve had to try to do something,” Klein stated in the Instagram video posted on Saturday. “As someone with resources and reach, I feel it’s the least I can do to remind the people of Los Angeles and the world about James Charles’ actions.”

He further commented, “It’s time we start calling him out, so I hope you’ll enjoy it — except you, James.”

In 2021, Charles faced intense public scrutiny after 16-year-old social media users Isaiyah and Robert accused the then-21-year-old makeup artist of grooming and engaging in inappropriate sexual communications.

The allegations, which first surfaced on TikTok, included claims of explicit Snapchat conversations and the exchange of sexually suggestive photos.

Charles initially denied the claims, saying he believed the individuals were 18. He later released a 14-minute apology video titled “Holding Myself Accountable,” in which he described his behavior as “reckless” and acknowledged engaging in explicit conversations with two minors.

Klein has remained a vocal critic.

After putting up the billboard, he said that with renewed public attention on figures like Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein, many people often ask, “How did we let this guy get away with it?”

He said the billboard was his response.

The professional fallout from the scandal was swift. Charles lost his long-standing partnership with Morphe Cosmetics and was removed as host of the YouTube Originals series “Instant Influencer.”

YouTube also temporarily demonetized his channel under its “Creator Responsibility” policy, citing concerns about the potential harm of his off-platform behavior.

The monetization has since been reinstated as of February.

James Charles has not commented on the billboard, and his talent management company, The Mangan Group, has not responded to The California Post’s requests for comment.

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