By KATIE HOPSICKER
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LOS ANGELES, Calif. — James Charles, Glenmont native and Bethlehem Central High School graduate, was named on TIME’s list of “The 25 Most Influential People on the Internet.”
The beauty guru and YouTube vlogger was listed amongst celebrity singers Ariana Grande and Cardi B; politicians and public figures including President Donald Trump and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex; international influencers, like the Hong Kong Protesters, and more.
Charles, originally James Charles Dickinson, grew up in Bethlehem and graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in 2017. His career jump-started after becoming the first male ambassador for CoverGirl and has since moved to Los Angeles, California. Charles features many celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, in his videos and he recently worked professionally with Iggy Azalea on her new music video, “Sally Walker.”
He is now notably famous for sharing makeup tutorials and special looks on his social platforms. He has over 15 million subscribers and followers on YouTube and Instagram, and has launched both an eyeshadow palette in collaboration with Morphe and his own merchandise named Sisters Apparel.
“After attending the Met Gala in May, James Charles, a beauty vlogger best known as the first male ambassador for CoverGirl, declared to his followers that he wanted to be a ‘catalyst’ for ‘influencer representation in the media,’ TIME Magazine wrote in its description of Charles.
“He quickly got his wish—but not in the way he intended,” TIME continued. “The reason: the viral break-up of his friendship with former mentor and fellow beauty vlogger, Tati Westbrook, which started as a niche feud over gummy bear supplement sponsorships and ballooned into a broader discussion about the dark side of influencers and ‘cancel culture.’”
Charles suffered from the feud with Westbrook, losing millions of subscribers and followers and canceling his planned tour. While controversy surrounds Charles’ claim to fame, he is making sure to stay transparent with his followers, posting a “No More Lies” video to his YouTube channel. He explained his conflict with Westbrook and provided evidence to verify his perspective.
Both parties have recently apologized, and Charles has moved on from the conflict, amidst support from his loyal fans. With his latest scandal behind him and new content in his future, Charles is surely one to watch.
To view the full list of TIME’s “25 Most Influential People on the Internet,” visit https://time.com/5626827/the-25-most-influential-people-on-the-internet/.
