YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, has birthed numerous digital celebrities who influence millions through their content. However, with such prominence comes scrutiny, and some YouTubers have been entangled in scandals that shook their fandoms and made headlines. Let’s delve into the stories of some of the most scandalous YouTubers in history.

Logan Paul

Logan Paul, once a beloved content creator known for his comedic sketches, was embroiled in a major controversy in 2017. His decision to film and post a video from Japan’s infamous “Suicide Forest,” showcasing graphic and sensitive content, resulted in worldwide backlash. The scandal sparked conversations about online responsibility, with YouTube suspending ad revenue on Paul’s channel for a period.

PewDiePie

PewDiePie, real name Felix Kjellberg, is the most subscribed individual creator on YouTube, known for his gaming and commentary videos. However, he has faced several controversies. In 2017, he was accused of using racial and anti-Semitic language in his videos, leading to his partnership with Disney’s Maker Studios being dissolved and YouTube cancelling his original series.

James Charles

James Charles, a beauty YouTuber with millions of followers, faced severe backlash in 2019 during the “Tati Westbrook drama.” Accused of manipulative behavior and inappropriate interactions, Charles lost millions of subscribers in days. While he recovered some ground after issuing an apology, the scandal marked a notable instance of the beauty community’s internal conflicts.

Tana Mongeau

Tana Mongeau is no stranger to controversies. But her most scandalous moment came in 2018 with TanaCon, an event intended to rival VidCon. Poor planning led to inadequate facilities, excessive queuing, and event cancellation, leaving thousands of fans disappointed and demanding refunds. The fiasco raised questions about influencer accountability.

David Dobrik

David Dobrik, renowned for his high-energy vlogs, faced serious allegations in 2021. He was accused of cultivating a harmful environment that led to a sexual assault incident. The allegations resulted in Dobrik losing sponsorships, and he stepped down from the board of his app, Dispo. The scandal put the spotlight on the potential dark side of influencer culture.

Shane Dawson

Shane Dawson, one of YouTube’s early stars, has been involved in multiple scandals. In 2020, he faced extensive backlash over his past content involving blackface, racial slurs, and inappropriate behavior towards minors. The controversy led to YouTube suspending monetization on his channels and a significant decline in his public image.

Jeffree Star

Beauty mogul Jeffree Star has been embroiled in numerous controversies, ranging from feuds with other creators to allegations of racism and bullying. His involvement in the drama between Tati Westbrook and James Charles also tarnished his reputation.

Onision

Gregory Jackson, known as Onision, faced significant controversy due to allegations of grooming and emotional abuse. The seriousness of the accusations led to a real-world impact, with the YouTuber being banned from Patreon for doxxing and the production of a discovery+ documentary about the scandal.

Conclusion

These instances of scandal involving prominent YouTubers reveal a more insidious side of internet fame. They underscore the need for digital literacy among audiences, accountability for creators, and more robust regulations from platforms like YouTube. While these creators may offer entertainment and influence, it’s essential to remember the potential for misuse of such platforms and the responsibility that comes with such public visibility.