[Lifestyle] Influencer James Charles stages fake news of pregnancy

[Miss Fix It]

A po[CENSORED]r beauty influencer has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after pretending to be pregnant for 24 hours. The male YouTube star shared a video documenting himself experiencing the “challenges” of being pregnant for a day, telling fans it was “in no way shape or form to make fun of, to make light of pregnancy and the sensitivities and the complications that come around it”. The video followed Charles through a day of tasks and challenges, including a contraction simulator, while he wore a fake pregnant belly. To promote the video he also shared a photo on his Instagram account that showed him cradling a “bump” in an elaborate set up surrounded by flowers. But despite the disclaimer on video, the 21-year-old quickly attracted criticism for the stunt, with some women branding it “gross, disrespectful and insensitive”. RELATED: Tips and tricks from beauty blogger James Charles Many said the YouTuber – who has hit headlines in the past for being embroiled in bitter feuds with beauty rivals – had failed to take into account how insensitive the whole stunt was, especially those struggling to conceive. “I love you James, but be ready to expect backlash. This wasn’t a good move. It’s very insensitive and I’m generally not a sensitive person. Sorry bud. This ain’t right,” one person wrote. “Umm this is not a joke? … This is not OK? … Are you guys seriously allowing this to be OK?” While another said: “How thirsty for clout can you be?! So gross, disrespectful and insensitive. Also I’m sure he’s at an age where he knows that pregnancy jokes aren’t OK.” On Twitter, “James Charles pregnant” began trending, but for all the wrong reasons. One woman called it “gross and offensive to all women” while another said it was “distasteful”. While James hasn’t yet responded to the backlash, the disclaimer message on the video suggests he expected the situation. After stating the video was not made in any way to “make fun” of pregnancy, James said it was a “lighthearted” video. He also stated that “charities helping women through pregnancy complications” would receive a portion of the money made from the video’s streams. James has 25.5 million followers on YouTube and 26.8 million on Instagram. He’s estimated to be worth $US12 million ($A15.5 million). In 2020, he purchased a $US7 million mansion in Los Angeles.