Forgiven, but not forgotten! James Charles cuddles up to Kylie Jenner at her skincare launch party - as the teen faces furious backlash for his sudden return to public life and social media after weeks of scandal
- James, 20, attended the Kylie Skin launch party on Tuesday evening
- The YouTuber, who claimed he was on a social media break, posted multiple videos and a picture of himself with Kylie, 21
- People criticized James for returning to his regular behavior on social media
- But James defended himself, again, on Twitter claiming he was 'healing'
- Drama started for the YouTuber after Coachella when he shared a controversial sponsored post against one of Tati Westbrook's main competitors
- She then accused the YouTuber of betrayal and manipulating straight men
- James has since defended himself against all allegations and officially returned to the spotlight by attending his first event on Tuesday
James Charles has defended his attendance at Kylie Jenner's skincare launch party and posting pictures online — after the beauty mogul received backlash from people who thought he was taking a social media break.
The 20-year-old YouTuber was one of the most prominent, and surprising, faces at Kylie Jenner's Kylie Skin launch on Tuesday evening, sporting a pink silk pantsuit set for the A-list event.
On Wednesday, James then shared a picture of himself with Kylie to celebrate the launch of her skincare line — but it received a lukewarm reception from followers.
He's back! James Charles, 20, attended the Kylie Skin launch party on Tuesday evening and shared a picture of himself with Kylie Jenner, 21
Pose: People criticized James online for returning to his regular behavior on social media
Defensive: But James defended himself, again, on Twitter claiming he was 'healing'. He said him stating he was taking a social media break was not to garner sympathy from others
In response to the backlash, James tweeted: 'I said I wouldn’t be filming for a bit and would pop in on my other socials, point being to focus on living rather than forcing content. Healing for me consists of doing things that make me happy, such as playing with makeup & being social, instead of laying in bed all day.'
Goals: He shared multiple snaps of himself enjoying the Tuesday event, including one selfie with momager Kris Jenner
To backtrack, James is referencing his most recent YouTube video where he addressed the allegations made against him that he manipulated straight men.
The 41-minute video detailed in length the drama James experienced with YouTuber Tati Westbrook, 37, and Jeffree Star, 33. But it also included an explanation from James about why he would be taking a break from social media.
'As for my other social medias, I pledge to myself that I'm going to try and power down as much as I can,' he said at the time. 'I'm sure I'll be checking here and there of course but I do really want to focus more on in-person time and the people around me that are loving and caring.'
So fans were left confused to see James not only at Kylie's skincare launch, but also posting continually on Instagram and Snapchat about the event.
On Twitter, James went on to explain to his followers why social media would always be part of his platform. His postings didn't mean he wasn't recognizing the seriousness of all the drama between himself and other beauty gurus.
'Social media is a part of my life and I like keeping up with all of you, and I know a lot of you like keeping up with me,' James wrote.
'Posting a few stories of me smiling doesn’t mean I’m “better” or my break was for sympathy. It means I’m trying to move on with my life and better myself!'
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Clapped back: Rumors circulated that Kylie unfollowed James after he was accused by YouTuber Tati Westbrook of inappropriate behavior. But James said the rumors were not true
Skating around: Videos from the night showed James and Kylie both utilizing the roller rink. This was the first event James attended after drama with Tati
Keep up with Kylie in a latex mini dress by Yung Reaper
The Kardashian/Jenners are going crazy for the latex look at the moment.
From Kim's red Atsuko Kudo leggings to Kylie donning a pink mini design to the launch of her skincare range, the sister are all over the high shine trend. Oh, and Khloe also wore a latex catsuit to the event!
We love the statement cut-out sides and bling-tastic embellished detail on Kylie's dress, as well as of course the plastic fantastic Barbie Girl-esque pink shiny material.
It's a custom made version of the 'Kitty' dress by Yung Reaper, and you can buy the original now by clicking (right).
Alternatively, we've hunted high and low for the best latex minis, and have found some great options at PLT, Love, Fire and more!
Simply pick your favorite to keep up with Kylie!
Hanging up on the haters: James was accused of manipulating straight men into relationships. These accusations lost him three million subscribers, which he has mostly gained back
Drama has surrounded James since Coachella because he decided to share a sponsored post for Sugar Bear Hair. The brand is a known competitor of James' former mentor's company, Halo Beauty.
This post ignited a feud between James and Tati, and she later released a 43-minute video, since deleted, attacking her former friend for his betrayal. In the video, Tati accused James of behaving inappropriately towards men.
Not bothered: To respond to the accusations, James released a 41-minute response video that helped fix his image with the public
'He said some things, telling me about a situation that happened in Seattle at my birthday, and it literally made me want to vomit,' Tati said at the time about James.
'Oh my god, you tried to trick a straight man into thinking he's gay, yet again, and somehow you're the victim.
'You know, it's really disgusting to manipulate someone's sexuality, especially when they are still emerging into adulthood and don't quite have everything figured out.
'You are using your fame, your power, your money to play with people's emotions,' she continued. 'You're threatening to ruin them, you're threatening to embarrass them, and you're doing that to have them behave sexually in your favor, even if they're straight.'
This sparked James losing three million subscribers on YouTube — most of which he has since gained back.
James was able to stop the loss of subscribers after he posted his response video detailing everything he was accused of from Tati and Jeffree.
'First of all, I'm a 19-year-old virgin,' James said when defending himself. He turned 20 on Thursday after filming the video.
'I talk about boys quite a lot on my social media networks,' he continued. 'Clearly at this point it's not acceptable anymore… just thought I'd bring it up, put it out into the universe, I don't really get a lot of action.'
'That being said, I have never, and would never, and will never use my "fame", money or power, to manipulate or get any sexual actions from a guy,' he continued. 'That is disgusting, it is not me, and the fact that Tati brought this up blows my mind, because she knows the real story.'
Baring all: In the video, James revealed he was a virgin and did not manipulate straight men, like Tati and Jeffree Star originally claimed
Tati's statement: The beauty guru's most updated statement clarified that she stood by her statements against James, but she regrets how she put them out publicly
Broken relationship: The two YouTubers were friends for a couple years until Tati ended their relationship three weeks ago. She accused James of betraying her and manipulating men
Now Tati is taking a break from social media amid all the controversy, but she claims to still stands by her statements against James regarding his behavior towards men.
'The toxicity and chaos that ensued over the last 10 days was absolutely not my goal, as it was a fight that I was almost certain to lose... Although I do not regret raising my concerns I completely regret the way I went about saying them, I could have and should have found a better way,' she wrote in a lengthy statement shared online while also deleting her original video.
James, who briefly took a social media break while the drama continued, has been posting on social media since Sunday after he defended himself in his YouTube video about the feud.
He then made his first public appearance at Kylie's skincare event.
Prior to his attendance at the event, there were rumors circulating that Kylie unfollowed James on Instagram because of the feud with Tati. But James was quick to set everyone straight on Wednesday.
'But she unfollowed you lol,' one person commented on a picture of James and Kylie together at her skincare event.
'She never followed in the first place lol stop believing everything you read on the internet,' James responded to the comment.
Kylie's event was covered in pink decorations, including a Barbie-inspired box people could take pictures in. James shared pictures and videos of himself inside the box and also shared a video on the roller rink alongside Kylie.
The drama might finally be behind James, as he returns to the spotlight within the beauty community.
