On May 10, 2019, the James Charles and Tati Westbrook drama shook the beauty community. It quickly became one of the biggest scandals in YouTube history.

James Charles and Tati Westbrook Drama
Beauty On This Day

James Charles and Tati Westbrook Drama

On May 10, 2019, the James Charles and Tati Westbrook drama shook the beauty community. It quickly became one of the biggest scandals in YouTube history.

May 10, 2025

At the time, James Charles was one of the most popular beauty YouTubers. His YouTube channel had millions of subscribers, and his makeup tutorials often reached millions of views. Many beauty brands saw him as a powerful content creator on social media.

James Charles and Tati Westbrook drama

Tati Westbrook was also a trusted name in the beauty community. Viewers followed her for honest reviews and detailed YouTube videos. She had built her reputation over many years and later launched her own supplement brand, Halo Beauty.

The drama began after Coachella 2019. James Charles posted a video promoting Sugar Bear Hair, a brand that directly competed with Halo Beauty. The post quickly caught attention across the beauty community.

Soon after, Tati Westbrook posted a video titled Bye Sister. In the video, she accused James Charles of betrayal and poor judgment. The video spread rapidly on social media and across drama channels. It reached million views in a short time.

James Charles and Tati Westbrook drama 1

As the situation grew, other beauty YouTubers became involved. Names like Jeffree Star, Shane Dawson, and Nikita Dragun appeared in reaction videos and online discussions. Media outlets followed the story closely, with images and reports shared widely, including through Getty Images.

The impact was immediate. James Charles lost millions of subscribers on his YouTube channel. At the same time, Tati Westbrook gained strong support from viewers. Many people began questioning trust and ethics within beauty brands and influencer culture.

James later posted his own YouTube video to respond. He denied several claims and spoke openly about the pressure of online backlash. While some viewers reconsidered their opinions, the drama had already left a lasting mark.

James Charles and Tati Westbrook drama 2

Today, May 10, 2019, is remembered as more than a beauty influencer scandal. The James Charles and Tati Westbrook drama became a turning point for beauty YouTubers and the wider beauty community. It revealed how fast public opinion can change and how fragile influence can be in the digital age.