James & Myka Stauffer: The Heartbreaking Adoption Scandal That Shook The Internet

When you decide to share your life with many individuals on the internet, it’s important to be prepared for some of those people to offer their opinions about what they believe you might be doing incorrectly in your life.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Myka and James Stauffer discovered that their son Huxley was no longer with them, as they had placed him with a new permanent family in 2020. Three years prior, the couple had adopted Huxley from China and chronicled their emotional journey on their YouTube channel “The Stauffer Life.

The Ohio parents, who have four biological kids, initially announced their news in a video called “An Update From Our Family”. This seemingly ordinary title is now the name of a three-part documentary series that explores the scandal once again, serving as an illustration of the sinister aspects of the family vlogging industry.

Although the channel no longer exists, the show utilizes various clips from the family’s past videos, such as recordings made in January 2017, where Myka ponders the appearance of her son’s medical diagnosis following a doctor’s advice about his serious health concerns.

“But if anything,” she said in the clip, “my child is not returnable.”

I recently attempted to gather insights from the Stauffer family regarding the revisit of their compelling tale in the latest series, initially showcased on June 6 at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. However, at the time of writing, I have yet to receive a response from them.

The Television Series titled “An Update From Our Family” debuted on Max on January 15, with follow-up episodes scheduled for the 22nd and 29th of the same month. However, it was their initial media attention that began with the Stauffers:

The television show “An Update From Our Family” started airing on Max on January 15, with additional episodes planned for the 22nd and 29th. But it was their first headlines that caught everyone’s attention regarding the Stauffers:

The series “An Update From Our Family” premiered on Max on January 15, with further episodes set for the 22nd and 29th. However, the Stauffers initially gained media attention as the reason behind it:

The show “An Update From Our Family” kicked off on Max on January 15, with new episodes coming on the 22nd and 29th. Yet, it was the Stauffers who initially made headlines due to the circumstances:

The show “An Update From Our Family” went live on Max on January 15, with more episodes coming up on the 22nd and 29th. But it was the Stauffers who first caught everyone’s attention due to what happened:

Why did James Stauffer and Myka Stauffer rehome their adopted son Huxley?

In the video uploaded on May 26, 2020, which left over 717,000 viewers astonished, James expressed concerns about international adoption. He explained that sometimes there are uncertainties and things hidden in the case files. After bringing Huxley home, he discovered additional special needs that weren’t disclosed to us initially.

Based on my extensive consultations with various healthcare specialists, I can share that they recommended a change for Huxley. Essentially, they suggested he’d thrive more in an environment better tailored to accommodate his significant requirements due to his complex needs.

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself often expressing that it was never our intention to reach such a predicament. We have tirelessly endeavored to cater to his requirements and provide the assistance he needs, to the best of our abilities…It’s important for me to emphasize that we hold a profound affection for him.

Added Myka, “There’s not an ounce of our body that doesn’t love Huxley with all of our being.”

Where is Huxley now?

In a heartwarming video, I shared the news that, through an adoption agency’s assistance, Huxley found a new home with a loving family equipped to provide him the attention and care he deserves.

She expressed feeling deeply disappointed in herself as a mother, saying, “I feel like I’ve failed as a mom by 500%,” she added, explaining that the agency had found someone who they believed would be the ideal match. This new caregiver has medical training and is providing excellent care for the child, who is thriving, happy, and doing well.

They made this information open to all, she pointed out, as “we owe it to you for your constant support throughout our journey, and I thought it was only fair to keep you updated about our current situation.

How did Maya Stauffer and James Stauffer rehome their adopted son?

Strangers online did not offer the Stauffers a very compassionate or welcoming reaction devoid of judgment.

The Stauffers weren’t the only family dealing with the issue of re-adopting an adopted child, a practice often referred to as “rehoming.” In 2018, it was estimated by The Atlantic and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that out of approximately 135,000 adoptions finalized annually in the U.S., between 1% and 5% ended up being legally terminated.

However, numerous online commentators criticized them for giving up their child and generally displaying unkind behavior.

Previously, Myka wrote in an essay for The Bump that upon returning to the U.S. with two-year-old Huxley, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at level 3. In her words, she referred to him as experiencing “significant delays” in his developmental progress.

In a video posted in September 2019, she shared that Huxley was undergoing Applied Behavior Analysis treatment and was thriving. However, later posts on social media suggested that Myka was facing difficulties.

Over the past few days, I’ve been going through a rough patch. Let me be straightforward – things aren’t easy. If only there was a guidebook for navigating the complexities of autism and adoption-related traumas, it would make this journey less arduous. (February 2020 Instagram post)

Her latest post about Huxley dated back to March 28, 2020. In that post, Myka expressed, “The past month has been the most challenging I’ve ever faced as a mother. I’m still trying to make sense of it all,” she said. “However, instead of relying on my emotions, I’m choosing to listen to yours.

On May 10th, she expressed that it was the toughest Mother’s Day she had ever experienced. Two weeks afterward, Myka and James disclosed that Huxley was no longer residing with them.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’d put it this way: In light of the recent buzz surrounding their declaration, I wholeheartedly agree with their lawyers that the choice they’ve made for Huxley seems to be the most optimal one.

As I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our cherished clients, I can attest that they embody a deep, nurturing love for their family. They are devoted parents who would go to great lengths for their children. In fact, since Huxley joined their family through adoption, they have sought guidance from numerous specialists in the health and education sectors, ensuring they could offer him the most effective care and treatment possible.

As time went by, the medical team suggested to our clients that it would possibly be more suitable for Huxley to live with a different family. This news is incredibly hard for any parent to hear.

How did Myka Stauffer respond to the adoption rehoming backlash?

A few days passed, and Myka ventured into the comments area beneath their first video to provide more details about the sequence of events leading up to Huxley’s second adoption.

She asserted to her critics, “We would never abandon a child with special needs; this is deeply personal for us, Hux included.” It wasn’t just because he had Autism that led us to this decision. There were alarming incidents within our home that affected our other children as well. If such events occurred with one of my biological children, given all the assistance we provided and the behaviors we observed, it would unfortunately necessitate seeking help and addressing their needs.

But it wasn’t long before Myka was stepping away from the public eye.

Her most recent Instagram post, dated June 24, 2020, consists of an extended apology for any disturbance caused and acknowledges the pain inflicted on others.

In her own words, she expressed regret for the pain this decision has inflicted upon numerous individuals and apologized for failing to live up to the expectations set by those who regarded her as a role model and mother figure. Furthermore, she acknowledged her inability to share more of her personal journey from the outset.

Myka expressed more remorse for being unprepared when they initiated the adoption, acknowledging that she lacked the necessary skills to cater to Huxley’s requirements at the time. She emphasized that although she didn’t regret bringing him to the U.S., where he was receiving essential aid, she admitted that his past involved trauma, despite his current happiness and improvement in his new home.

In a heartfelt message, she expressed her deep desire to assist anyone in need, going as far as considering adoption. However, she realized later that her eagerness blinded her to the potential risks, showing a certain naivety and imprudence. If only she had been better prepared, she would have taken more precautions. She regrets deeply that such a difficult decision ever had to be made.

Myka likewise resisted several unjust judgments regarding her and James, such as the notion that they took in Huxley merely for increased online attention.

She penned down that they didn’t take in a child for financial gains. Instead, any earnings from some of their posts were reinvested, not just the pennies, but far beyond, into ensuring the child’s wellbeing.

At last, Myka apologized, “I’m truly sorry for my mistake.” She also wanted to share, “It’s crucial that moms have a secure haven where they can seek aid when facing hardships. No inquiries needed. We adore Huxley and firmly believe this was the best choice for him and his future.

Were Myka Stauffer and James Stauffer ever under investigation for rehoming their adopted son?

A representative from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office informed TopMob News in June 2020 that they had received multiple concerns about the wellbeing of a locally adopted child, and their ongoing probe is aimed at safeguarding the child.

Simultaneously, the spokesperson stated that authorities were certain that the correct procedures were being followed by all involved in accordance with the adoption guidelines. Furthermore, both parties had legal representation to guarantee complete adherence to the judicial process.

By the end of the month, the investigation was officially wrapped up. The authorities, in their findings summarized in a report (which BuzzFeed managed to get hold of), stated that Huxley is now safe and sound under the care of a different family.

Where are Myka Stauffer and James Stauffer now?

Although the Stauffer family has been less visible in recent times regarding their personal life, James’ active YouTube channel, “Stauffer Garage,” which focuses on automobiles, boasts a following of 1.3 million people.

Keep reading to see more online influencers who ran into controversy:

In 2023, it was Colleen Ballinger herself who faced scrutiny, not her YouTube character, Miranda Sings. The popular internet personality, known for portraying the awkward persona of Miranda Sings, became embroiled in allegations of grooming and inappropriate relationships with underage fans.

In a video titled “why I left the Colleen Ballinger fandom…”, YouTuber KodeeRants shared screenshots that appeared to be from text conversations between Colleen and her followers, suggesting she formed exploitative relationships with minors.

According to NBC News, the authenticity of an unverified group chat named “Colleeny’s Weenies” could not be confirmed. The performer was allegedly discussing sexual positions in one conversation, but this couldn’t be independently verified by NBC News.

A few days later, content creator Adam McIntyre, who initially ran a fan account for Miranda Sings when he was 10, posted videos on his YouTube channel accusing Ballinger of emotionally grooming her fans.

Ballinger has not directly responded to these claims nor did she respond to TopMob News’ request for comment. However, she addressed the accusations in a 10-minute ukulele song uploaded to her personal YouTube account on June 28. In the video, Ballinger compared the allegations to a “toxic gossip train” destined for “manipulation station,” with the rest of the internet “tie[ing] me to the tracks and harass me for my past.”

The remaining dates of her Miranda Sings tour were canceled in July, and she has not posted on social media since.

The conversation began when the author of “Girl, Wash Your Face” shared a post about her house cleaner, which led to her home becoming progressively untidy. In a video from Angie Treasure, Hollis discussed an April 2021 livestream where she spoke about a woman who “cleans the toilets.” A commenter stated that Hollis was privileged and she agreed, mentioning her hard work to afford twice-weekly toilet cleaning. The commenter then called her unrelatable.

Hollis defended her lack of relatability by comparing herself to icons like Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Marie Curie, and Oprah Winfrey, all of whom she claimed were “unrelatable AF.” However, it’s important to note that while selling millions of books is impressive, Hollis is not a revered abolitionist.

A few days later, Hollis issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging the pain caused by her remarks about influential women, including several women of color, whose struggles and achievements she cannot comprehend. She also expressed regret for disregarding those whose hard work does not provide financial security, often due to systemic racism and bias.

Hollis concluded her apology by stating, “The crucial step for me now is to be quiet and listen.

In March 2020, the creator of Something Navy clothing line and original blogger shared with her Instagram followers that she had tested positive for COVID-19, planning to quarantine in her Manhattan apartment with her husband Brandon Charnas and their daughters Ruby and Esme. However, eight days later, her entire household – including the nanny – moved to the Hamptons.

To put it mildly, this situation didn’t present her in a favorable light. The comments on her Instagram page grew progressively heated as she bragged about going for walks outdoors for “fresh air”, disregarding social distancing guidelines.

When her husband cracked that only “hot” people were getting the virus, emotions boiled over.

After initially parting ways with Nordstrom due to an expired contract in 2019, Charnas, who became a mother of three in 2021, opted for a direct-to-consumer relaunch. She expressed, “I desired more control,” and is now resuming her social media posts about her preferred Shopbop picks and collaborations with A Pea in the Pod.

In an episode of The Glossy Podcast, Charnas acknowledged, “People expected me to be more mindful of global events, and I should have been.

In 2020, fashion blogger Emily Gellis Lande publicly criticized registered dietitian Alissa Zuckerbrot over allegations of health issues caused by Zuckerbrot’s high-fiber F-Factor Diet. In a series of posts on social media, Gellis Lande shared unverified stories from dieters who claimed they had spent thousands of dollars and experienced various health problems, including rashes, intense cramps, signs of metal poisoning, and in the most severe case, a miscarriage.

These allegations gained traction when The New York Times published an article about the controversy. Zuckerbrot, who hired lawyer Lanny Davis, the former White House special counsel for President Bill Clinton, denied the claims and suggested that her diet plan did not lead to disordered eating. She stated that out of over 176,000 purchases of her snack bars and powders, she had only received 50 health complaints.

Zuckerbrot also released a Certificate of Analysis to refute concerns about heavy metals in her products and appeared on Today to further defend her program. In response, Zuckerbrot is dismissive of Gellis Lande, stating that she believes Gellis Lande thinks she’s helping people but views the lifestyle she promotes as harmful and potentially causing anorexia.

Zuckerbrot has since filed two lawsuits against Gellis Lande, accusing her of launching a smear campaign to damage her brand. Both lawsuits are still pending, and Gellis Lande denies the claims.

2020 witnessed many parts of the world experiencing a significant racial awakening. However, it was Jessica Mulroney, a close friend of Meghan Markle, who received a stark reminder. In a lengthy video on Instagram, lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter detailed her issues with Mulroney, which began when Mulroney took offense to Exeter’s request for her followers to use their influence positively and aid in the fight against racial injustice towards the Black community.

Exeter claimed that Mulroney responded in a problematic manner, allegedly speaking negatively about Exeter to other brands and even sending her a written threat. Although Mulroney apologized in a comment on Exeter’s video, she later sent a message that Exeter shared, stating, “Liable suit. Good luck.”

Mulroney issued an apology to her followers, expressing her intention to amplify Black voices by allowing them to take over her account and share their experiences. However, the Canadian television network CTV decided to cancel her reality show, I Do, Redo.

Ben Mulroney, Jessica’s husband, stepped down from his co-host role on CTV’s eTalk, expressing hope that a new host would be Black, Indigenous, or a person of color who could utilize the platform to inspire, lead, and bring about change. Despite this, Jessica managed to keep her high-profile friendship, writing in a now-deleted post, “Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend.

Known for his viral videos on Vine and YouTube, particularly “I DUCT TAPED My Brothers $400,000 Dollar TRUCK!”, this former Disney Channel star found himself in the spotlight again when he was dismissed from Bizaardvark. In 2020, his rise to prominence continued.

On August 5th, federal agents executed a search warrant at Paul’s home in Calabasas, California, confirming that it was linked to an incident on May 30th at a mall in Scottsdale, Arizona. During a Black Lives Matter protest at the Fashion Square Mall, Paul disregarded orders from law enforcement to leave after the protest ended. Despite this, he claimed on Twitter that his group was not involved in any looting or vandalism during the event.

Speculation about the FBI raid grew as large as his online following, with video footage showing numerous firearms being transported by police. In a since-deleted video from August 12th, Paul maintained that the search was related to the Arizona looting situation and stressed that it had nothing to do with him or his character. He further stated that unfounded rumors about other matters were absurd.

Although no charges were filed, Paul’s attorney told TopMob News that they planned to cooperate with the investigation.

After over a year of reconciling with beauty vlogger Tati Westbrook, the YouTube sensation found himself embroiled in fresh disputes. Initially, in an indirect tweet about celebrities launching makeup lines in August 2020, he implied that Alicia Keys, who rarely wears makeup, was not suitable for a skincare collection, later apologizing as he acknowledged he wasn’t the “makeup gatekeeper.”

However, less than two weeks later, the host of Instant Influencer found himself in another predicament when he targeted Lauren Conrad’s new beauty line. He criticized The Hills alum on Instagram Stories, displaying empty packaging from a newly launched makeup brand to his 22 million followers, claiming that the person behind the brand had no business in makeup.

Fortunately for LC Lauren Conrad, a fashion designer, she took the incident humorously, admitting her error on Instagram by blaming the woman responsible for organizing the gifts, who apparently had accidentally included empty samples in the bags to test their fit and sent them out instead.

Charles later apologized, stating that the videos were intended to be funny, and shared that “Lauren and I spoke privately about the misunderstanding, and we are both okay.” Nevertheless, it’s evident that he understands the mistake he made.

In a May 2020 video, vlogger and YouTuber Myka Stauffer began by stating that the video she was about to share was the hardest one she and her husband had ever made publicly. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t going to be about their newborn routine or diet. Instead, they revealed that they had placed their then-4-year-old son Huxley, whom they adopted from China in 2017, with his permanent family because they were unable to manage his autism.

The response from their almost one million subscribers was largely negative, with some questioning whether the couple, who have four other children, were either unaware or had used Huxley for clicks and donations before abandoning him when caring for him became too difficult. They lost followers and partners, including Fabletics, Suave, and Danimals, who announced they were ending their business relationships with them. Even the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio confirmed to TopMob News that they were investigating Huxley’s welfare.

Authorities later closed their case without pressing any charges, but Myka’s brand remains dormant as she hasn’t posted on YouTube or Instagram since issuing a lengthy apology for her naivety during the adoption process and clarifying that they were not under investigation.

After announcing their cross-country road trip in May 2020, Hall and his TikTok partner found themselves in more trouble than they anticipated when it came to following stay-at-home guidelines. As they traveled, their followers were less than pleased about the trip, leading Hall to defend himself by stating that most states had lifted quarantine and they were maintaining social distance. However, things took a turn for the worse when they were arrested in Lee County, Texas, just five days later. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Hall was charged with possession of marijuana, while Hossler was charged with possession of controlled substances. They both posted bail the next day, but neither their representatives commented on the situation at the time. In a June essay for People magazine, Hall admitted to struggling with substance abuse and promised to make amends.

In October 2019, YouTube personalities known as the Stokes Twins pulled off an elaborate prank that wasn’t exactly cute or harmless. Dressed in black as if they had just robbed a bank, they hailed an Uber to act as their getaway car while filming the incident. The unsuspecting driver was not in on the joke and refused to leave, leading a bystander to call the police.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office press release, the police arrived at gunpoint and ordered the Uber driver out. Once they determined that he was not involved, the driver was released, but the authorities warned the Stokes brothers about the dangers of their prank.

Four hours later, the twins repeated the stunt on the University of California, Irvine campus, leading to their arrest. If convicted on false imprisonment and swatting charges, they could face up to four years in prison. However, Orange County D.A. Todd Spitzer expressed his disapproval, stating that these pranks could have potentially resulted in serious injury or death.

In a 2020 news release, their lawyer maintained their innocence, saying “We can say without hesitation that our clients are in fact not guilty of any crimes.” Despite this claim, they pled guilty to lesser charges of misdemeanor false imprisonment and reporting false emergencies, receiving 160 hours of community service and one year of probation.

In a turn of events, the popular YouTube personality, known as the “YouTube King” due to his extensive videos garnering over 34 million followers, experienced a fall from grace in June 2020. This was triggered by a controversial tweet he posted and later deleted, criticizing the online beauty community for various perceived character flaws. He particularly targeted James Charles, accusing him of being self-centered and power-hungry.

His followers were not pleased with his harsh words, as they believe those living in glamorous surroundings should avoid casting stones. In quick succession, Dawson published a 20-minute video titled “Taking Accountability,” where he expressed regret for past actions, including using blackface, making racist comments, joking about pedophilia, and sexualizing then-11-year-old Willow Smith in a video. He acknowledged, “I have done many things in the past that I deeply regret.”

He further stated, “This video is born out of a desire to take responsibility for my actions, to admit my mistakes, and to acknowledge the harm I’ve caused online and in real life.” As a result, YouTube temporarily suspended his ability to monetize his three accounts.

Dawson resumed creating content in 2021, expressing gratitude for his cancelation, stating, “I’m so thankful that I was cancelled because it truly transformed my life.

2025-01-16 21:19