James Charles Faces New Grooming Allegations

For the past few weeks, eagle-eyed social media users may have noticed a familiar face popping up in iconic British settings.

First, he appeared in , then pub chain , and even a bakery.

It is part of what appears to be a concerted charm offensive by American beauty YouTuber James Charles, who seems intent on embedding himself within the tightly woven British influencer ecosystem.

Of course, all of Charles’s exploits have been vlogged, edited and uploaded on to and . Recent content has seen the brash American trying ‘Percy Pig’ sweets, sampling Greggs sausage rolls and embarking on a Wetherspoon’s ‘eating challenge’ with UK beauty influencer Cal Edwards.

‘James Charles, you have basically become a UK citizen,’ Edwards announced in one TikTok video.

I’m sure that’s precisely what James wants to hear.

At 26, Charles, one of YouTube’s most commercially powerful beauty creators with 23 million subscribers, has been quietly building visibility on this side of the Atlantic, collaborating with British influencers, appearing at events, and, according to several publicists, seeking introductions to London brand teams and agencies.

But behind the pastry-tasting and high-street hauls, there’s a darker reason behind his Great British reinvention.

In 2021, Charles was the subject of child grooming allegations in the United States when two under-age boys claimed on social media that they had exchanged intimate messages with the YouTube star.

At the time, Charles admitted to sending sexually explicit messages to two 16-year-old boys and insisted to fans: ‘I fully understand my actions and how they are wrong.’

His career was damaged, but he survived the scandal. Then, in December 2025, TikTok content creator Ethan Rhett came forward and claimed the beauty guru made inappropriate advances towards him when he was just 14 years old. Charles has not commented on the claims.

The allegations perhaps explain why the reception to Charles here in Britain has not been universally warm.

Multiple industry sources have told me there is hesitancy among PRs and influencers to work with him and some British influencers have even turned down events that he is expected to attend, refusing to be in the same room as him.

One source tells me: ‘This man really sees himself as untouchable, which – until now - he has been.

‘He got caught and managed to bury it, and then because his fans are all really young, they seem to forget within a week. Then they go right back to giving him all their parents’ money and worshipping the ground he walks on.’

British TikTokker Issy Oakley spoke for many when she made a video saying: ‘James Charles is worming his way into the UK scene.

‘I have always disliked him as a creator because of the allegations regarding him talking to underage boys. I used to be a fan, but I would not go back on my morals.

‘In America there is a bit of a revolt against James Charles, and I do believe that is why he is coming to the UK, to start fresh.’

It is understood that Charles is determined to launch his makeup brand, Painted, in Britain. I’m told he is eyeing up beauty stores like Boots, Space NK and Sephora to stock his products.

But in an age where online reputation is everything, I have doubts that he’ll achieve much success this side of the Atlantic.

Ellie's cancelled over cancellation complaints

British influencers visiting Dubai haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory this week. 

After Iranian missiles hit the UAE, grounding flights in the region, influencer Ellie Starns – owner of a homemade card company – took to TikTok from Dubai airport to vent about the real tragedy: her influencer schedule. 

‘We were boarding, then not boarding, then boarding again, now we’re not,’ she sighed, adding that she might have to cancel meetings next week. The horror! 

She also claimed she might be forced to book her own hotel if the airline didn’t provide one up to standard. 

The post vanished soon after, but not before viewers raised an eyebrow at her tone-deaf travel diary. 

Perhaps silence is the best policy when it comes to geopolitical matters, Ellie.

Alix gets a frosty reception in the snows of Aspen

Alix Earle is preparing for Netflix stardom ahead of her upcoming reality series – but she’s running into roadblocks.

The Miami party girl has been hopping from event to event filming scenes for the show, but the reception at her latest stop in Aspen, Colorado, was frosty. 

While attending a DJ set, Alix reportedly parked herself behind the decks, taking shots and passing drinks around with her girl gang. 

But between her camera crew, production staff and entourage, other guests could barely see the DJ, let alone get near the booth. 

Nothing kills the vibe quite like realising you paid for a ticket to watch someone else film their TV show.

UP

Sofia Franklyn is finally spilling all the gossip about her feud with Alex Cooper, host of the hit podcast Call Her Daddy. 

Sofia used to co-host the podcast with her Alex, then her best friend and college roommate, but after a public fallout over the future of the show, Alex continued it without her. 

Six years after their spat, Sofia is releasing a juicy tell-all memoir, named Daddy Issues. It’s about time she got to tell her side of the story. I have already pre-ordered my copy.

DOWN

Once the king of Essex, I’m told Towie star Joey Essex makes a quick exit when it comes to picking up the bill. 

Having swapped reality TV for amateur boxing, these days Joey is sparring with other influencers in the ring – but it seems he doesn’t put up much of a fight with his friends when the waiter arrives to settle up.

JOEY ESSEX COPY WAITING LEGAL

After more influencers and Love Islander alumni than ever attended the prestigious Brit awards on Saturday night, music insiders have been up in arms. 

DJ Yasmin Lauryn told her followers: ‘Brands need to stop inviting any old influencer to the Brits. There are so many that create content around music and have a love for music, who would appreciate going a lot more than any old random influencer that doesn’t even know who Mark Ronson is and couldn’t name you a Beatles song or know who Oasis are.’ 

As someone who was at the awards, I couldn’t agree more with Yasmin. Although, contrary to what they show on social media, most influencers hardly bothered the A-lister guests - since most of the influencers were miles away in the stands.

Soda brand Poppi has launched in the UK. The non-alcoholic, ‘high-fibre, low-calorie’ drink has gone viral in recent months, largely thanks to the brand’s collaborations with stars like Alix Earle, Charli XCX and Rachel Sennott.

Do we need another ‘health’ drink on supermarket shelves? Technically, no. But with serious influencer power behind the brand, I predict this one is going to pop off.

Email me – molly.clayton@dailymail.co.uk

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