Billboard in LA Reignites Controversy Over James Charles Grooming Allegations

The billboard calls out the beauty influencer over past accusations of inappropriate behavior with underage fans.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A massive billboard has appeared in Los Angeles addressing the grooming allegations that have plagued beauty influencer James Charles since 2021. The billboard features texts referencing Charles' admission to messaging 16-year-old boys and a search box for 'James Charles Allegations'. The public callout has gone viral, with many social media users praising the billboard as a refusal to let the allegations fade.

Why it matters

The billboard represents a continued public reckoning over the allegations against James Charles, which sent shockwaves through the beauty industry when they first surfaced in 2021. The influencer's attempts to move past the scandal have been met with skepticism, as the billboard suggests a significant portion of the public still holds him accountable.

The details

In 2021, multiple teenage boys accused Charles of sending them unsolicited, sexually explicit messages. Charles admitted in a video that he had interacted with two 16-year-old boys, claiming he believed they were 18 but acknowledging the responsibility was his. This led YouTube to temporarily remove Charles from its Partner Program, stripping him of advertising revenue. Though Charles has since expressed a desire to 'un-cancel' himself, the billboard erected by Ted Entertainment Inc. indicates the allegations continue to haunt him.

  • In early 2021, multiple teenage boys accused James Charles of sending them unsolicited, sexually explicit messages.
  • In a 2021 video, Charles admitted to interacting with two 16-year-old boys, claiming he believed they were 18 but acknowledging the responsibility was his.
  • In 2021, YouTube temporarily removed Charles from its Partner Program, stripping him of advertising revenue.

The players

James Charles

A beauty influencer who has been at the center of grooming allegations since 2021.

Ted Entertainment Inc.

The company that paid for the billboard in Los Angeles calling out the allegations against James Charles.

Ethan Klein

The CEO of Ted Entertainment Inc. who was praised by many for the billboard.

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The takeaway

The billboard represents a continued public reckoning over the allegations against James Charles, as the influencer's attempts to move past the scandal have been met with skepticism. The public callout suggests a significant portion of the public still holds him accountable, underscoring the ongoing debate over whether an influencer can truly be rehabilitated after such controversies.