The hottest topic on the social media circuit recently has been James Charles and his drama with Tati Westbrook. I'm sure everyone has heard the story, but just in case you haven't, here's a quick synopsis:
Tati was a mentor to James since he started in the makeup influencer industry about 3 years ago. She and her husband did so much for James and his business, like reviewing contracts, giving him advice, and urging her supporters to follow him, simply because they wanted to see him succeed. She made it clear that she did not receive any sort of payment for the favors she did for him.
Tati felt she would be friends with James forever.
However, he has begun to change after gaining fame and following he has. In Tati's video, she explains that James has a habit of trying to pressure straight guys into sleeping with him, even after he has been rejected. He has repeatedly said that he thinks every guy should want to be with him because he is a celebrity. She even sat him down and tried to warn him that he would get himself in trouble if he kept doing that, but he did not listen.
Furthermore, he did a brand deal with SugarBear Hair at Coachella, the direct competition to Tati's vitamin company, and most likely a scam product. Tati claims he knew exactly what he was doing and proceeded to accept the sponsorship, knowing full well that it would hurt his close friend.
After Tati posted her 43-minute video, James began rapidly losing subscribers. He became the first Youtuber to lose one million subs in 24 hours. Tati has been gaining just as many subscribers simultaneously.
I usually don't follow the never-ending drama that constantly circulates the beauty community, but when I saw Tati's video, I decided to watch it. I was curious and I'm glad I clicked it.
To me, Tati came off as genuine and sincere. It was obvious she was hurt by the whole situation. Most people on the internet can detect a fake apology (like good old Laura Lee and MannyMUA) and I haven't seen a single post accusing Tati of lying. Many other people came forward backing up her claims, with only a small handful defending James.
I believe we can take this situation and learn from it; drama with a message.
Firstly, James is the perfect example of someone who has let fame and wealth get to his head. He seems to believe he is better than everyone else and that he should be treated that way. Evidently, that includes sleeping with him even if you're a straight guy who doesn't want to explore. His transcending beliefs about himself leads him to keep pressuring guys; he thinks he'll be able to convince them because he is attractive, famous, and rich.
I never was a James Charles fan, but now I am sure I do not want to support someone like that.
His downfall can be used as a cautionary tale for everyone on social media.
On the flip side, Tati is an example of the benefits someone can reap by being honest online. I truly do not believe she posted that video to gain subscribers and attention. She wanted to be honest with her followers since rumors with swirling around. She wanted to clear the air, and people supported that.
She is a genuine person and is in it because she loves makeup, not because she wants attention and money. People have recognized that this is a breath of fresh air in an industry full of fake people who will do anything for clicks and money.
Lastly, this case says something about cancel culture. I get upset when people are "canceled" online for saying one wrong thing. Even if they come clean and apologize, people still tend to write them off and never give them the chance to redeem themselves.
This situation is different. This isn't a bad joke, like James's Ebola scandal. This is sexual harassment, celebrity narcissism, and greed, at its finest. James has clearly been changed by his fame and if he continues to act the way he has been, he deserves to be "canceled".
I am all for second chances. People make mistakes. But it's going to be a long time before I even consider giving James Charles another thought.
