James Charles is once again in the spotlight—and not in the way he might hope. The beauty influencer, once hailed as a trailblazer in the makeup world, is experiencing another sharp dip in followers, particularly on TikTok. This sudden drop in support has revived conversations about his past controversies, especially those from 2019 and now again in 2025.
From dramatic fallouts with fellow creators to rumors of questionable associations, James Charles’s career has been repeatedly shaken by scandal. And while his fanbase has shown resilience in the past, the recent backlash suggests that their patience may be wearing thin.
The 2019 Tati Westbrook Fallout: A Career Turning Point
James’s first major setback came in May 2019, when beauty YouTuber Tati Westbrook released a now-infamous video titled “BYE SISTER.” In it, she accused Charles of betraying their friendship by endorsing a competitor’s vitamin brand. But the video wasn’t just about brand loyalty—it included deeper, more personal allegations.
Westbrook claimed that Charles often made inappropriate comments about men’s sexuality, boasting about trying to “turn straight men gay.” These accusations sparked outrage, with many questioning his maturity and influence. As a result, his YouTube subscriber count took a massive hit, dropping by over 1.5 million in just a few days. The drama dominated headlines and sparked intense debate about influencer behavior and power dynamics online.
Though James later issued a public apology and released his own video explaining his side, many felt the damage was already done. The scandal marked a clear turning point in his career, shifting public perception from admiration to skepticism.
The 2025 Scandal: Association With Evan Johnson Raises Eyebrows
Just as things had quieted down, 2025 brought fresh controversy. This time, it stemmed from alleged ties to Evan Johnson—a man recently arrested after accusations of assault made by his former girlfriend, Kayla Malec.
Influencer Mikaela Testa took to TikTok in April, suggesting that Charles had given Johnson a place to stay following the arrest. Former Johnson friend Zack Sellars added fuel to the fire, alleging that the relationship between Charles and Johnson may have been more than just friendly. These claims quickly went viral.
The fallout was swift: Charles reportedly lost nearly 700,000 TikTok followers within days. Though his YouTube numbers remained stable, the backlash showed how fast public opinion can shift—especially when influencers are silent on controversial matters.
Charles responded on May 7, denying any wrongdoing. He stated that he did not support Johnson and had never been in a romantic or sexual relationship with him. In his video statement, Charles said he had reached out to Kayla Malec to show solidarity and condemned all forms of violence against women. He also noted he had waited for court proceedings to finish before speaking publicly, and hinted at potential legal action against those spreading false information.
Damage Control or Delayed Accountability?
One of the main criticisms facing Charles—both in 2019 and 2025—is the timing of his responses. In both cases, many fans and critics felt his silence or delayed statements made him appear more concerned with image than truth. While some fans continue to defend him, others believe that pattern shows a lack of transparency and accountability.
What complicates things further is how these controversies affect his long-term brand. Charles, who became the first male CoverGirl ambassador at 17, has built an empire based on charm, makeup skill, and relatability. But scandals like these erode trust, even among loyal followers.
The Future of James Charles
James Charles remains one of the most recognizable names in beauty. His estimated net worth of $12 million and past collaborations with major celebrities speak to his influence. Yet, as public scrutiny grows and support wanes, his ability to rebound from repeated controversy is uncertain.
In the ever-evolving world of internet fame, where every action is documented and dissected, James Charles’s story is a reminder: one misstep can cost you thousands of followers, but repeated patterns might cost you your entire reputation.