Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

YouTube star James Charles loses 1m followers after Tati Westbrook allegations

'I’m sorry for everything that I put you through'

Jacob Stolworthy
Sunday 12 May 2019 08:24 EDT
Comments
James Charles apologises to Tati Westbrook following scandal

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

YouTuber James Charles has lost more than a million subscribers after a series of allegations were made against him by a rival beauty video blogger.

Statistic site Social Blade lists Charles, 19, as having 14.6m subscribers. Less than a week ago, he was listed as having 16m.

After his appearance at the MET Gala, fellow YouTuber Tati Westbrook released a scathing 43 minute-long video highlighting his “problematic” behaviour, including promoting a beauty product that rivalled one she’d created.

“You are using your fame, power and money to play with people’s emotions,” Westbrook, his former friend, said.

According to several reports, Westbrook’s video has seen celebrities with whom Charles has collaborated – including Katy Perry – cut ties with him on social media.

American star Charles – who is estimated to be worth $12m (£9m) – released a video in response, telling his followers: “I’m sorry for everything that I put you through.”

He continued: “What sucks the most is that I know there’s nothing I can say or do to ever earn that friendship or trust back but I don’t blame them for it. A lot of the time when I’ve had to address things in the past, I’ve acted out of impulse and I’ve gone off and tried to pull receipts or facts or screenshots and play the victim.

“I’m not doing that today, I’m not. That is all I have to say, I’m sorry.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in