Bye, sisters. Beauty YouTuber James Charles will not be returning to host the second season of YouTube’s reality competition series, Instant Influencer. A YouTube representative confirmed that Charles is no longer hosting but declined to share why to Variety. A second season had already been announced with Charles as the host. “We can confirm Season 2 of the YouTube originals series ‘Instant Influencer’ will take a new creative direction, including a new host,†a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement to Variety. “We thank James for a great first season, and look forward to building on the show’s success by expanding the opportunity to showcase a diversity of creators across the YouTube platform in our upcoming season.†The second season of Instant Influencer will not only feature a new host, but new creators from a YouTube genre other than beauty or makeup. New details are to be announced.
The decision comes just under a month after Charles was accused of “grooming†a 16-year-old fan. The alleged victim released a video saying that Charles had added him on Snapchat, sent him unsolicited nudes, and pressured him into send some back. In a Notes App statement, Charles admitted to sending the photos, saying the individual initially claimed he was 18. “After false allegations like this in the past, I would never knowingly engage with someone underage and put my life on the line for a few Snapchats,†Charles said at the time.