A scandal involving influencer James Charles has taken over social media in the first week of May, sparking widespread criticism and a “mass unfollow” movement on TikTok. The accusations center on an alleged romantic relationship between Charles and content creator Evan Johnson, who is currently on trial for reportedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Kayla Malec. The controversy gained momentum after statements from individuals close to Malec, including her sister and a former friend of Johnson, surfaced with details about the closeness between the two influencers. The situation has exposed tensions in the world of content creators and reignited debates about accountability online.
Charles responded on May 6 through a TikTok Stories post, denying support for Johnson and expressing hope for justice for Malec. He pledged not to comment publicly until Johnson’s trial, scheduled for May 7, concluded, but the online reaction had already significantly impacted his follower base. The controversy also highlighted discussions about influencers’ conduct and their personal choices amid serious allegations.
The case underscores the speed at which rumors spread on digital platforms, particularly when they involve public figures with millions of followers. Below are key points that marked the start of the controversy:
- Allegations from Zack Sellars, Johnson’s former friend, about the Charles-Johnson relationship.
- Statements from Ashley, Malec’s sister, confirming the rumors on TikTok.
- A “mass unfollow” movement resulting in Charles losing about 700,000 TikTok followers.
- Charles’s TikTok Stories post attempting to clarify his stance.
Initial reactions on social media
Social media served as the primary stage for this controversy’s unfolding. In late April, Australian influencer Mikaela Testa posted a TikTok video that quickly garnered 24 million views. In it, she accused Charles of maintaining a relationship with Johnson despite the domestic violence allegations against him. The video, posted on April 30, fueled outrage among users, who began questioning Charles’s conduct, especially given his prior friendship with Malec.
Zack Sellars, a former friend of Johnson, further amplified the narrative. In a one-hour interview on the Bee Better YouTube channel, he detailed the alleged romantic and sexual relationship between Charles and Johnson, claiming Charles was aware of the accusations against Johnson before getting involved. Sellars also alleged that Charles privately asked him to remove videos exposing the situation. These claims fueled perceptions that Charles prioritized personal interests over his friendship with Malec.
The online impact was immediate. Videos tracking Charles’s follower drop began circulating, with one from the @teamkaylam account amassing over 420,000 views in a day. Another user, @user8462805, shared a clip showing Charles’s follower count decreasing in real time, attracting 1.4 million views in under 24 hours. The hashtag #jamescharlesunfollow became a trending topic, amplifying the case’s visibility.
Origins of the allegations against Evan Johnson
Evan Johnson, 20, was arrested on April 7, 2025, in Sumner County, Tennessee, charged with domestic violence and violating parole. The arrest came days after Kayla Malec, his ex-girlfriend, posted a two-hour YouTube video titled “He doesn’t love you,” detailing months of abuse endured during their relationship. Malec, also 20, described incidents of physical violence, including one where Johnson allegedly broke her jaw. While she did not directly name Johnson in the video, she referred to him as “Evan” at times, prompting fans to make the connection.
On April 25, Malec used TikTok to share additional details about the case, noting that the court hearing was less than two weeks away. She expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness, emphasizing the moment’s importance in her pursuit of justice. Malec’s story rallied significant online support, with thousands of users expressing solidarity and demanding accountability from Johnson.
The link to James Charles emerged when Zack Sellars revealed on April 11 that a “major influencer” was housing Johnson in Los Angeles during the investigation period. Two days later, Sellars identified Charles as that influencer, alleging he knew of the accusations against Johnson. These revelations shocked Malec’s fans, who viewed Charles as a close ally of hers.
Statements from Kayla Malec and her sister
Kayla Malec remained relatively reserved about Charles’s involvement until early May. In a TikTok video posted on May 4, she hinted at being aware of the rumors but chose to wait until after the trial to speak out. Her words, “after court… but I know!” were interpreted as an indirect confirmation of the allegations against Charles. The influencer, who boasts millions of followers, used her platform to keep the focus on her pursuit of justice, avoiding direct engagement with the speculation.
Ashley, Malec’s sister, was more outspoken. In a TikTok video posted on May 1, she stated that the allegations about Charles and Johnson were true, using “allegedly” for legal caution. Ashley’s statement reinforced the narrative that Charles betrayed Malec’s trust, intensifying fans’ outrage. Her video quickly spread, garnering thousands of shares and supportive comments for the Malec family.
Malec and her sister’s stances highlighted the severity of the accusations against Johnson. While Malec focused on her recovery and the legal process, Ashley used her voice to draw attention to Charles’s alleged hypocrisy, further fueling the “mass unfollow” movement.
James Charles’s response
James Charles opted for a cautious approach in addressing the accusations. On May 6, he posted a brief message on TikTok Stories, emphasizing that he does not support Evan Johnson and wishes for justice for Kayla Malec. The post, which disappears after 24 hours, was seen as an attempt to mitigate damage to his image without delving into specifics. Charles also mentioned a private promise to Malec to refrain from public comments until the trial concluded on May 7.
However, the response failed to quell criticism. Many users questioned the timing of the statement, noting it came only after he lost hundreds of thousands of followers. Others criticized his use of TikTok Stories, a temporary platform, instead of a more formal statement, such as a YouTube video or a permanent Instagram post. The general perception was that Charles was more focused on protecting his career than genuinely supporting Malec.
Below are elements of Charles’s response that sparked debate:
- Use of TikTok Stories, seen as less serious for addressing the issue.
- Lack of details about his relationship with Johnson.
- Mention of a promise to stay silent until the trial’s end, viewed as avoiding accountability.
- Absence of an explicit apology to Malec or fans.
Impact on TikTok and other platforms
The “mass unfollow” movement against James Charles was one of the controversy’s most visible outcomes. According to SocialBlade, Charles lost approximately 700,000 TikTok followers between late April and early May. The drop was significant, given his over 40 million followers on the platform before the scandal. Videos documenting the follower loss went viral, with users tracking the count in real time and celebrating the decline.
Other platforms, like YouTube and Instagram, did not see such drastic losses, suggesting the movement was concentrated on TikTok, where the controversy originated. Still, the impact on Charles’s image was substantial, especially since he had faced prior controversies, including allegations of inappropriate behavior in 2021. The recurrence of scandals reinforced the narrative that Charles fails to learn from past mistakes, fueling public outrage.
The hashtag #JusticeForKayla also gained traction, with users sharing support for Malec and demanding greater transparency from Charles. Smaller influencers seized the moment to discuss public figures’ accountability, while others created humorous content, like memes, mocking the situation.
James Charles’s history of controversies
James Charles is no stranger to controversies. Since the start of his career, he has faced multiple scandals that have shaped his trajectory as an influencer. In 2017, he faced backlash for racist tweets about Africa and the Ebola virus, for which he quickly apologized. In 2019, a public feud with influencer Tati Westbrook, who accused him of manipulation and disloyalty, led to a significant follower loss, though he later regained much of his audience.
In 2021, Charles faced serious allegations of sending inappropriate messages to minors, resulting in the temporary demonetization of his YouTube channel and the end of his partnership with Morphe. He denied the accusations, claiming he was unaware of the individuals’ ages, and released a video titled “An Open Conversation” to share his side. Despite launching his makeup brand, Painted, in 2023, his reputation has never fully recovered.
The current controversy with Evan Johnson and Kayla Malec rekindles these criticisms, with many pointing to a pattern of questionable behavior. Charles’s association with Johnson, even after the abuse allegations, raised questions about his priorities and values, particularly given his friendship with Malec.
Role of other influencers in the controversy
Beyond Mikaela Testa and Zack Sellars, other influencers contributed to spreading the allegations. Trisha Paytas, known for commenting on online drama, posted a video on April 22 reacting to the scandal, which amassed over 2 million views. Paytas criticized Charles’s conduct, suggesting he did not show enough support for Malec. Influencer Itzkeisha also released a video essay on May 1, summarizing the allegations and providing a detailed overview of the case.
These creators helped keep the controversy in the spotlight, drawing further attention to Charles’s actions. The involvement of well-known influencers reinforced the perception that the case was not just a rumor but a matter requiring clear answers. Below are key influencers who stood out:
- Mikaela Testa: Went viral with the initial video accusing Charles.
- Zack Sellars: Provided details about the Charles-Johnson relationship.
- Trisha Paytas: Commented on the case, boosting its visibility.
- Itzkeisha: Produced a video essay detailing the controversy.
Timeline of key events
The sequence of events leading to the controversy is complex, involving multiple actors and platforms. It began in April with Malec’s abuse allegations and escalated with accusations against Charles in late April. Below is a timeline of major moments:
- April 4: Kayla Malec posts a YouTube video detailing abuse endured.
- April 7: Evan Johnson is arrested for domestic violence and parole violation.
- April 11: Zack Sellars hints at a “major influencer” housing Johnson.
- April 30: Mikaela Testa posts a video accusing Charles of a relationship with Johnson.
- May 1: Ashley, Malec’s sister, confirms the rumors on TikTok.
- May 6: Charles responds on TikTok Stories, denying support for Johnson.
- May 7: Johnson’s court hearing, awaited by Malec and supporters.
This timeline highlights the rapid spread of the story and the role of social media in amplifying the case. Each new video or post added layers to the narrative, keeping the issue prominent.
Support for Kayla Malec online
Kayla Malec’s story mobilized a significant online community. After her YouTube video, thousands of users began sharing supportive messages using the hashtag #JusticeForKayla. Smaller influencers joined the cause, creating content to highlight the importance of supporting domestic violence victims. Some organized livestreams to discuss the case and raise funds for related causes.
Malec maintained a resilient stance. In her posts, she thanked fans for their support and reiterated her determination to seek justice. She also used her platform to share resources on domestic violence prevention, including hotlines and support organizations. Her approach earned praise from many, who saw her as a powerful voice amid the controversy.
Support for Malec contrasted with the backlash against Charles, creating a clear divide online. While Malec was celebrated for her courage, Charles faced criticism for his apparent lack of transparency. The dynamic reinforced a narrative of solidarity with abuse victims and a demand for accountability from public figures.
Repercussions for James Charles’s career
The loss of 700,000 TikTok followers is just one consequence for James Charles. His makeup brand, Painted, launched as part of a recovery effort after the 2021 scandals, may suffer from the new controversy. Beauty brands often rely on their founders’ positive image, and Charles’s involvement in another scandal could deter consumers and business partners.
In the past, Charles recovered from controversies with apologies and new projects, but the recurrence of incidents raises doubts about his ability to maintain relevance. The current situation is particularly sensitive, involving allegations of betraying a friend and associating with an accused abuser. Public pressure for a clearer statement from Charles continues to grow, especially post-trial.
The controversy also reignited debates about “cancel culture” online. While some argue Charles deserves a chance to explain, others believe his history of scandals justifies public rejection. The case’s outcome will partly depend on how Charles addresses the criticism in the coming weeks.
Details of Evan Johnson’s trial
Evan Johnson’s hearing, set for May 7, is a focal point of the controversy. The trial will determine whether the domestic violence charges against him are upheld, potentially influencing public perception of Charles’s involvement. Kayla Malec confirmed her attendance at the hearing, and her fans await updates. Expectations are that Malec will share more details after the trial, as hinted in her posts.
Johnson, released on bail after his April arrest, faces serious charges, including physical assault and parole violation. Details from Malec point to a pattern of violence spanning months, with incidents ranging from verbal abuse to physical attacks. The severity of the accusations makes Charles’s association with Johnson even more contentious, especially given his prior friendship with Malec.
The hearing may also reveal new information about Charles and Johnson’s relationship. While Charles denied supporting Johnson, allegations from Sellars and others suggest he maintained close contact with the accused after Malec’s claims. The trial’s outcome could intensify or ease criticism against Charles, depending on the developments.
Online solidarity movements
The controversy sparked widespread solidarity with Kayla Malec and broader discussions about domestic violence and online accountability. Organizations supporting abuse victims shared resources in response to the case, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of violence in relationships. Influencers like Itzkeisha included messages about prevention and support, expanding the reach of these resources.
Online, users created educational content, such as videos explaining how to identify abusive behaviors and where to seek help. Some of Malec’s fans organized campaigns to raise funds for institutions supporting abuse victims, leveraging the case’s visibility for positive change. The hashtag #JusticeForKayla continued to be used for sharing personal stories and supportive messages, fostering a virtual community around the cause.
