In the middle of February, a striking billboard featuringJames Charlessuddenly appeared in Los Angeles, reigniting controversy surrounding the influencer. The sign referenced the grooming and sexual misconduct allegations he has faced since 2021 and quickly went viral online. Here is what we know about the billboard, the backlash and the allegations that continue to follow him.

The viral billboard, which contains a callout towards Charles, reads: 'SAY, JAMES, I HEAR YOU TEXT EM YOUNG*,' alongside a photo of the makeup influencer. It appeared Saturday morning near the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Colby Avenue.

It is a nudge on the grooming and sexual misconduct allegations that Charles has continued to face since 2021.

James Charles is finally being called out! Look at this new billboard In Los Angeles, CA!The billboard reads “say James I hear you Text’em young”James Charles has found himself at the center of several grooming scandals that involved teen boys…pic.twitter.com/n987Yezb7o

The sign was paid for by Ted Entertainment, which is co-owned by Ethan Klein, a comedian and podcaster who has been vocal about his opposition to Charles, arguing that the influencer has been allowed to maintain a lucrative career despite admitting to inappropriate interactions with minors.

Since then, Charles has made his 'comeback' on the internet and seems to have redeemed himself as his new makeup brand,Painted, and a foray into music with his single 'He Loves Me Not.'

Many, including Klein, argued that this comeback is proof that since Charles was never legally charged, the 'accountability' was never achieved and the issue was easily erased with an apology video.

Klein revealed on anInstagramvideo that the billboard cost them $10,000. The sign also includes a search bar titled: 'James Charles Allegations' and references a BBC article titled:'James Charles: YouTube star admits messaging 16-year-old boys,'an article from April 2021 talking about his since-deleted public apology on YouTube.

Klein said, 'This is the only good idea I've had to try to do something.' He added, 'With somebody with resources and reach, I feel like it's the least I can do to try to remind the people ofLos Angelesand the world that this is what James Charles gets up to.'

Klein continued: 'It's time we start calling him out, so I hope you'll enjoy it — except you, James.'

Source: International Business Times UK