Controversial stand-up comedian and online personality Charleston White has come under fire after he launched a line of T-shirts that appeared to mock Texas teen Karmelo Anthony. White, who had previously supported Anthony and advocated on his behalf, unveiled the merchandise on social media just days after the teenager was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Austin Metcalf. This latest move has angered some members of the Black community, who are now calling him a “sellout.”
In two Instagram posts, White showed off a T-shirt featuring Anthony’s face covered by a watermelon design alongside the phrases “Watermelon Felon” and “Guilty of Murder.” The shirts are available in multiple colors and are being sold through White’s website for $30 each.
The controversial nickname, “Watermelon Felon,” was coined by Metcalf’s father, Jeff, who used it while referring to Anthony during a heated moment in his interview on the JinxedSip podcast. White incorporated the phrase into the merchandise and was also seen wearing one of the shirts in public while promoting the product online.
White’s actions surprised many observers because he had previously spoken in support of Anthony. However, after the teen was sentenced, the comedian publicly distanced himself from the family and accused Anthony’s father of focusing more on fundraising than on his son’s well-being.
Charleston White Faces Backlash for Controversial Merchandise
In the comments under the Instagram posts, many people were outraged by White’s decision to sell the shirts and accused him of betraying the Black community for attention and profit. “Uncle Tom energy. Pure sell out,” one commenter wrote. Another stated, “Lost all respect.” A third added, “You did bad on this one. You’ve done some [expletive] and made some sense but this ain’t it.” A fourth remarked, “This sad bruh I don’t understand why you do this for clout and attention.”
Several others gave harsher criticisms. “He’s a white man at heart,” one netizen said. Another commented, “I can’t wait till it’s your kids.” Someone else warned, “You reap what you sow… that’s all I have to say.”
A few, however, didn’t seem convinced that White had completely abandoned Anthony. “I refuse to believe that he’s not still helping Karmelo in some way,” one comment read. Another speculated, “Plot twist. Unc might be taking da money from them shirts & paying Melo you never know wit him.”
As of the time of writing, the Anthony family has not publicly responded to White’s “Watermelon Felon” T-shirts or the criticism surrounding the merchandise.
