A provocative billboard in Los Angeles has thrust grooming and sexual misconduct allegations against beauty influencer James Charles back into the spotlight, echoing controversies that first surfaced in 2021.
The sign, featuring the message “SAY, JAMES, I HEAR YOU TEXT EM YOUNG*” alongside a photo of the makeup artist, went up Saturday morning near the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Colby Avenue.
It was funded by Ted Entertainment, a company co-owned by comedian and podcaster Ethan Klein, who has publicly criticized Charles' efforts to revive his career following the scandal and subsequent apology.
In an Instagram video posted Saturday, Klein revealed the billboard cost $10,000 and includes a search bar labeled “James Charles Allegations,” pointing to a BBC article from April 2021 titled “James Charles: YouTube star admits messaging 16-year-old boys.” The reference alludes to Charles' now-deleted YouTube apology video.
“This is the only good idea I’ve had to try to do something,” Klein said in the video. “With somebody with resources and reach, I feel like it’s the least I can do to try to remind the people of Los Angeles and the world that this is what James Charles gets up to.”
Klein further stated, “It’s time we start calling him out, so I hope you’ll enjoy it — except you, James,” underscoring his intent to keep the allegations in public view.
The billboard's appearance revives scrutiny over Charles' past actions, which involved messaging underage boys, as detailed in the 2021 BBC report and his own admission.
