James Charles Apologizes After Backlash to Axed Airline Worker Rant

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James Charles is retracting his statement about a woman in need.

Following criticism for a now-deleted online post where he complained about a woman who asked him for money after losing her job at Spirit Airlines, the beauty influencer responded to the controversy and explained his actions.

Charles described a direct message he received as disrespectful, offensive, and entitled, but ultimately, he felt responding was a pointless overreaction. In a TikTok video from May 9th, he explained that he easily could have ignored the message and moved on, but something about it bothered him so much that he felt compelled to address it in a video, even though he couldn’t quite explain why.

Looking back, I realize I was really insensitive. I reacted badly when someone reached out for help, even though they were clearly having a tough time, and it might have been the only way they knew to ask. It was wrong of me to judge their situation – I had no idea what they were going through and shouldn’t have assumed the worst. I should have offered support instead of criticism.

It really bothers me to hear Charles talk about how people online treat him like a personal ATM – it’s just awful. But he’s also really self-aware and admits he’s lucky to have financial security. He actually said what really must be tough is not knowing if you’ll have enough money to get by, and honestly, that hit me hard. It puts things in perspective, you know?

Charles apologized for his hurtful comments, saying he felt terrible and acknowledged he had upset many people. He specifically apologized to the Spirit Airlines employee who had reportedly asked for financial assistance, and he offered to help her directly.

He issued an apology just a day after sharing a video – which he has since removed – criticizing a former Spirit Airlines employee. She had sent him a link to her GoFundMe campaign after being laid off when the airline unexpectedly closed earlier this month, leaving 17,000 people without jobs. She had reached out hoping for support.

He shared a direct message he received from someone who simply said, ‘Good morning, James.’ She explained she knew he likely wouldn’t see it, but asked if he could take a minute to read her message. She was having a hard time because Spirit Airlines had filed for bankruptcy, causing her to lose her job. She included a link to a GoFundMe and said any donation would be appreciated, according to The Independent.

“I’m certain they do,” he said gently. Then, with a slightly different tone, he suggested, “You might feel better if you looked for a new job. Give that a try.”

He continued, saying that the time spent copying and pasting the same message – to him, someone they don’t even follow, and likely to many other influencers and celebrities – could have been used to apply for numerous jobs. He believed the person was being lazy and felt entitled, expecting influencers and celebrities to financially support them, which is why he wouldn’t offer any help.

For more influencers who have found themselves at the center of scandals, read on…

Colleen Ballinger, the internet personality known for her character Miranda Sings, faced serious accusations in 2023. YouTuber KodeeRants posted a video alleging that Ballinger had inappropriate relationships with underage fans, sharing screenshots of a group text conversation called “Colleeny’s Weenies” where Ballinger allegedly asked fans about personal topics. While NBC News couldn’t confirm the screenshots, the claims sparked further discussion. Adam McIntyre, who ran a Miranda Sings fan account as a child, then released videos claiming Ballinger emotionally groomed her fans. Ballinger initially responded with a 10-minute ukulele song, dismissing the accusations as harmful gossip and harassment. She hasn’t directly addressed the claims in detail, but has returned to posting on Instagram, though she remains absent from YouTube as of late 2023.

Rachel Hollis, author of Girl, Wash Your Face, faced criticism after sharing a story about her house cleaner. In a now-deleted post, Hollis recalled being told she was privileged for hiring someone to clean her toilets, and she responded by saying she worked hard for the money to afford it. This led to someone calling her unrelatable. Hollis countered that she didn’t want to be relatable, pointing out that figures like Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Marie Curie, and Oprah Winfrey were also not relatable.

Her comments sparked backlash, and days later, Hollis apologized on Instagram. She acknowledged causing pain by referencing women whose struggles she couldn’t understand and for overlooking the fact that many people don’t have the financial security she does, often due to systemic racism and bias. She stated she should have listened instead of speaking, and that she would do so moving forward.

In March 2020, the founder of Something Navy announced on Instagram that she had tested positive for COVID-19 and planned to quarantine with her husband, Brandon Charnas, and their daughters, Ruby and Esme, in their Manhattan apartment. However, just eight days later, the entire family, including their nanny, left the city for the Hamptons. This decision sparked criticism online, as people pointed out she was seemingly ignoring social distancing guidelines while publicly sharing about enjoying outdoor walks for “fresh air.” It wasn’t a good moment for her public image.

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

She followed up with a detailed apology, explaining that their nanny also had the virus, they took precautions like having their building’s doormen clear the lobby and avoid stopping for gas, and their Hamptons house was on a quiet street. However, the controversy continued to affect her.

Nordstrom, a former retailer of her clothing line, decided not to renew their contract, which had ended in 2019. Charnas, who had her third daughter, Navy, in 2021, responded by relaunching her brand directly to consumers, saying she wanted more creative control. She’s now back to sharing her favorite items from Shopbop and collaborating with A Pea in the Pod.

In an interview on The Glossy Podcast, she admitted, “I should have been more considerate of what was happening in the world, and people were right to expect that of me.”

In 2020, fashion influencer Emily Gellis Lande publicly criticized registered dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot. Lande shared unverified stories from people who claimed to have experienced negative health effects – including rashes, severe cramps, and even miscarriage – after spending over $20,000 on Zuckerbrot’s high-fiber F-Factor Diet. The story gained attention from The New York Times.

Zuckerbrot, represented by lawyer Lanny Davis (who previously worked for President Bill Clinton), denied the allegations and stated that out of over 176,000 purchases of her products, she had only received 50 health complaints. She provided lab results to address concerns about heavy metals and defended her program on Today.

Zuckerbrot dismissed Lande’s criticisms, telling the Times she believes Lande thinks Zuckerbrot’s lifestyle is harmful and causes eating disorders, despite Lande being “just a fashion blogger.”

Zuckerbrot has filed two lawsuits against Lande, alleging a deliberate attempt to damage her brand. Lande denies the claims, and both lawsuits are still ongoing.

In 2020, following a global surge in awareness of racial injustice, stylist Jessica Mulroney faced criticism of her own. Lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter publicly shared that Mulroney had taken offense to her urging followers to speak out against racism and support the Black community. Exeter claimed Mulroney responded with “very problematic” behavior, including speaking negatively about her to business contacts and sending a threatening message. While Mulroney initially apologized publicly and announced plans to use her platform to amplify Black voices, she also sent Exeter a private message suggesting she could face legal action. As a result, the television network CTV canceled Mulroney’s reality show, I Do, Redo. Mulroney’s husband, Ben Mulroney, stepped down from his role as co-host of eTalk, expressing his hope that his replacement would be a person of color. Despite the controversy, Jessica Mulroney maintained her friendship with Meghan Markle, stating they are like family.

Jake Paul, known for his viral videos like “I DUCT TAPED My Brothers $400,000 Dollar TRUCK!” and a past dismissal from Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark, gained significant online popularity by 2020.

In August of that year, the FBI searched his home in Calabasas, California. This followed an incident in May at a Scottsdale, Arizona mall, where Paul livestreamed a Black Lives Matter protest. Police stated he remained inside the mall after they ordered everyone to leave, but Paul claimed on Twitter that he and his group didn’t participate in any looting or vandalism.

Speculation about the FBI raid increased alongside Paul’s growing YouTube audience. Video footage showed firearms being taken from his property, and Paul insisted in a now-deleted video that the search was solely connected to the Arizona protest and related rumors about his involvement were false.

Although no charges were filed, Paul’s lawyer stated they would fully cooperate with the investigation.

In 2025, three years after leaving the popular YouTube comedy group The Try Guys—originally consisting of Ned, Keith Habersberger, Zach Kornfeld, and Eugene Lee Yang—amidst cheating allegations, Ned finally spoke publicly about what happened.

I intentionally presented myself as someone happily married, often talking about how great my relationship was,” he told People magazine. “Fans seemed to really like that side of me, so I played it up. It was a genuine part of my life, and I was aware of how it was being received.”

He explained that the controversy stemmed from the irony of the situation, which felt like a betrayal to many viewers. He also said it must have been incredibly upsetting and disheartening for those who were affected.

Over a year after reconciling with fellow beauty influencer Tati Westbrook, James Charles found himself embroiled in new controversies. In August 2020, he subtly criticized celebrities launching makeup lines, seemingly targeting Alicia Keys’ skincare collection, and later apologized, admitting he shouldn’t dictate who can create makeup.

Just two weeks later, Charles faced another backlash when he criticized Lauren Conrad’s new beauty line. He posted on Instagram Stories showing empty packaging he received, implying Conrad shouldn’t have a makeup brand.

Conrad responded with humor, explaining on Instagram that an assistant mistakenly included empty samples with the products sent to influencers. She jokingly announced the assistant would be fired.

Charles later apologized, stating his videos were intended as a joke and confirming he and Conrad had resolved the issue privately. However, it appeared he was aware of the mistake and its impact.

In May 2020, YouTuber Myka Stauffer began a video by stating it was the most difficult one she and her husband, James, had ever had to make. It wasn’t about typical parenting content; instead, they revealed they had rehomed their four-year-old son, Huxley, who they adopted from China in 2017, due to challenges managing his autism.

The announcement sparked widespread outrage among their nearly one million subscribers. Many questioned whether the couple had been irresponsible or had used Huxley to gain views and donations before giving him up when his care became too difficult. They lost followers and partnerships with brands like Fabletics, Suave, and Danimals, and the Ohio authorities even launched an investigation into Huxley’s welfare.

Although the investigation was closed in late June without any charges, Myka’s online presence remains inactive. She hasn’t posted on YouTube or Instagram since releasing a statement apologizing for her naiveté during the adoption process and clarifying they were not under investigation.

Okay, so this has been everywhere lately! I’ve been following the story of Kaitlyn Teaches, a TikTok creator, and the lunch her husband playfully packed for her. It included a bag of dog food – with a cute note saying she was his ‘dawg’ – and some leftover Chipotle from a couple of days prior. Honestly, the reaction online has been intense! She’s now speaking out to address all the comments and explain it was just a harmless joke that didn’t quite land as intended.

In a TikTok video from September 2025, she addressed the weekend’s events, saying people were overly concerned about him calling her a ‘dog’.

She explained, speaking slowly, “He didn’t call me ‘dog’ like the animal. He called me ‘dawg’ – D-A-W-G. It’s slang, like calling a friend ‘homie.’ We use it with each other all the time. It’s just a joke, a J-O-K-E, a joke.”

Oh my god, can you believe it? It all started when Tayler announced he and Chase might drive across the country in May 2020. It sounded like fun, but people immediately started complaining about them traveling when everyone was supposed to stay home! Tayler tried to explain that most states had already lifted restrictions and they were just keeping to themselves, saying it wasn’t a big deal. But then… then things got really crazy. Just five days later, they were driving through Texas and the sheriff’s office confirmed they were both arrested! Tayler for marijuana and Chase for… well, other stuff. They got out on bail the next day, but it was insane! After all that, Tayler wrote this really vulnerable essay in People magazine. He said he was starting to get sober and that he was learning from his mistakes. He promised he’d make us proud, and honestly, I really want to believe him. It’s been a rollercoaster, but I’m still here for him!

While some pranks are harmless fun, a stunt pulled by the Stokes Twins went much too far. In October 2019, the YouTube personalities dressed in black and pretended to be bank robbers, filming themselves as they ordered an Uber, intending it to be their ‘getaway car.’ The Uber driver, understandably not amused, refused to drive and someone called the police.

Irvine police arrived and initially pulled the driver out of the car at gunpoint, releasing him once they realized he wasn’t involved. They warned the Stokes brothers about the danger of their actions. Just four hours later, the twins allegedly repeated the prank on the University of California, Irvine campus, leading to their arrest.

The Stokes Twins faced up to four years in prison on charges of false imprisonment and swatting. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer strongly condemned their behavior, stating it could have caused serious harm or even death. While their lawyer maintained their innocence, the twins eventually pled guilty to lesser misdemeanor charges, receiving 160 hours of community service and a year of probation.

Philip DeFranco, known as the “King of YouTube” with over 34 million followers, faced a major setback in June 2020. A controversial tweet explaining his departure from the online beauty world sparked outrage. In it, he criticized influencers as attention-seeking and manipulative, specifically calling out James Charles.

His followers quickly pointed out his own flaws, and within days, DeFranco released a 20-minute apology video titled “Taking Accountability.” He admitted to past mistakes, including using blackface, making racist comments, joking about pedophilia, and posting a video that inappropriately sexualized Willow Smith when she was eleven years old.

He explained he wanted to take responsibility for his actions and acknowledged he deserved consequences. YouTube responded by suspending monetization on his three accounts.

In 2021, DeFranco returned to creating content, surprisingly stating he was “grateful to have been cancelled” because it led to positive changes in his life.

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2026-05-11 20:21