A billboard in Los Angeles, California, was spotted recently, taking aim at YouTuber James Charles by referencing his past troubling allegations. Reportedly, the billboard has since been vandalized.
As shown in the clip above, the California billboard features the phrase, “Say, James, I hear you text ’em young,” and links to a 2021 BBC article titled “James Charles: YouTube star admits messaging 16-year-old boys.
In a now-deleted apology, Charles, then 21, admitted to two incidents in which he exchanged messages with two underage individuals. Previous to his admission, allegations had surfaced in which Charles had shared explicit messages and suggestive photos with minors.
Following the controversy, Charles’ YouTube makeup channel was temporarily demonetized.
The billboard indicated that it had been paid for by Ted Entertainment Inc., a company co-owned by Ethan Klein. He is another YouTuber known for his H3 Podcast, which he hosts with his wife, Hila Klein.
Ethan Klein Vs. James Charles
Klein has been very vocal about Charles, criticizing him for his attempts to rebuild his career following the 2021 allegations and admission. He confirmed that he was the one behind the California billboard in an Instagram post, detailing that it cost him $10,000, and calling Charles a “predator.”
“This is the only good idea I’ve had to try to do something,” Klein said. “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. It’s time we start calling him out, so I hope you’ll enjoy it. Except you, James.“
TikToker Spill Sesh reported that the Charles billboard had been vandalized after it went viral, which was also confirmed by Klein. However, Klein also said that the billboard is “going back up” shortly.
Clips featuring the billboard went viral. The vast majority blasted Charles over his past behavior, while some also called out Klein over his own controversies.
“Right message, wrong messenger,” one user said. Another one commented, “Remember, if James tries to sue, he has to prove that it’s not true.” A third one added, “I didn’t know you could do this, omg.”
James Charles has yet to address the California billboard.
