Twenty social media personalities whose careers suffered instant collapse due to significant controversies
In the world of social media, where personalities rise and fall at breakneck speed, several individuals have found themselves embroiled in controversy, their names becoming synonymous with scandal. This article takes a closer look at some of these influencers and the scandals that have marred their careers.
Caroline Calloway
First gaining attention on Instagram in the 2010s as a Cambridge art student, Caroline Calloway found herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. In 2019, she was accused of gaslighting followers and exploiting her fans by selling overpriced workshops promising personalized advice and life-changing experiences. The controversy snowballed into a lawsuit from the state of Texas, accusing her of deceptive practices, particularly toward clients with special dietary needs. Despite her attempts at a comeback, her reputation in the self-help community has never fully recovered.
Tati Westbrook
Tati Westbrook, best known for her 2018 book Girl, Wash Your Face, has faced accusations of editing her body in videos, giving fake product reviews, and even using TikTok filters to exaggerate results during paid promotions. In 2019, she was involved in a public feud with YouTuber James Charles after releasing a 43-minute video titled BYE SISTER, where she accused him of being a bad friend and an egotist. Despite the backlash, Tati has managed to maintain a large following on YouTube and regularly posts on the platform.
Trisha Paytas
Trisha Paytas, who built a career on her YouTube channel blndsundoll4mj, has sparked controversy over her complex history with gender and identity. Paytas has publicly shifted pronouns, identifying at different times as transgender and then non-binary, while making controversial statements that offended parts of the LGBTQ+ community. Paytas has also faced serious criticism for racist and inappropriate content, including dressing as various racial groups, releasing a song called Jungle Fever comparing people of color to monkeys, using racial slurs multiple times, posting adult content involving family members, and mocking mental illness.
James Charles
James Charles, a makeup guru and vlogger, has faced multiple scandals, including allegations of predatory behavior, explicit interactions with underage boys, and losing ties with makeup brands. In 2020, he was accused of using his money and fame to manipulate straight men into romantic relationships, leading to a significant loss of followers and sponsorships.
Logan Paul
Logan Paul, a controversial YouTube creator, was dropped from YouTube's Google Preferred ad tier and faced an FBI investigation for his presence at a protest. His track record has not improved since, as he later angered netizens by dismissing non-binary pronouns such as they/them as 'stupid.'
Belle Gibson
Belle Gibson, once one of Australia's most celebrated wellness influencers, saw her empire crumble when journalists exposed that her story was a complete fabrication. Not only had she lied about having cancer, but she also failed to deliver on her promises to donate large sums of her profits to charities. Authorities have since raided her home multiple times in efforts to recover the money, but as of 2025, the fine still remains unpaid.
While these influencers have faced significant backlash and lost followers, some have managed to maintain a large following and even launch new brands or podcasts. However, the scandals that have marred their careers serve as a reminder of the importance of truth, transparency, and ethical behaviour in the digital age.
