Cancel culture is messy. It’s loud, confusing, and sometimes unfair (for some). Some creators genuinely messed up. Others got dragged for weak reasons. Some bounced back bigger than before. The influencer industry is worth over $30 billion, so naturally, all eyes are on them and who canceled influencers 2026 are.
Below, we’ll break down each creator: who they are, what happened to get them canceled, and where they’re at in 2026.
Why influencers get canceled?
Influencers, famous figures on social media, can sometimes face “cancellation” – a sudden loss of support from their fans. This downfall usually happens for three main reasons:
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Offensive behavior or comments – When influencers say or do things that upset people, such as making racist, sexist, or mean comments, their followers may turn against them.
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Personal controversies and scandals – Influencers can lose support due to their actions, like mistreating others or being involved in relationship scandals, such as being accused of being emotionally abusive.
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Unethical practices – Some influencers lose trust by not being honest about paid promotions or tricking their fans in other ways. Allegations of sexual harassment can also severely impact their credibility and career.
When an influencer is “canceled,” they often face multiple consequences:
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Loss of sponsorships and partnerships as companies refrain from associating with controversial figures.
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Decline in followers, likes, and engagement on their posts.
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Damage to their brand and reputation can be hard to recover from.
These factors can cause an influencer to lose their online influence and power. While some manage to bounce back after a while, the experience shows how risky and volatile an influencer’s career can be.
It highlights the importance of being careful and responsible with their actions and words, both online and in real life. The broader implications of influencer cancellations also touch on social justice, reflecting the current cultural climate influenced by the increasingly digital world we live in.
Top 20 Canceled Content Creators
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James Charles
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David Dobrik
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Shane Dawson
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Jeffree Star
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Logan Paul (Suicide Forest)
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Tana Mongeau
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Gabbie Hanna
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Colleen Ballinger
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Sienna Mae
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Addison Rae
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Zoe Laverne
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OnlyJayus (Isabel Paez)
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Alix Earle
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Mikayla Nogueira
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Bella Poarch
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Danielle Bernstein
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Scottykfitness
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Peach McIntyre
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Yaya Mayweather
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Mario Mirante
1. James Charles
James Charles rose from makeup tutorials to global influencer status. He soon became the first male ambassador for CoverGirl with millions of YouTube subscribers. But his career hit a dramatic point in 2019 with perhaps the most infamous influencer feud in YouTube history.
In May 2019, fellow beauty YouTuber Tati Westbrook published a 43‑minute video called Bye Sister (this video shows the full chronology), accusing Charles of betrayal and inappropriate behavior, alleging he tried to manipulate and coerce people in his personal and professional life. The video went viral, and within 24 hours, Charles became the first creator in YouTube history to lose over a million subscribers in that time span.
That’s old history, right? Not really, because recently, old scandals resurfaced amid callouts and social media roasts.
Public response was fierce, with brands like Morphe dropping him, costing millions in deals. Fans split, but boycotts dominated.
As of 2026, he runs his makeup brand Sisters Cosmetics, valued at $22M, posting on Instagram (19.7M followers, down from peak). He has not fully recovered; YouTube subs hover at 24M with relatively low engagement, and recent TikTok reels mock his “comeback fails.
Did he fully recover? Not in the same way as before, but he continues to have a career and a great following.
2. David Dobrik
David Dobrik was once YouTube royalty. His Vlog Squad was everywhere, but since early 2021, allegations began surfacing that some pranks and videos went far beyond humor and into harmful territory.
Former member Seth Francois said he was tricked into kissing a friend during a video shoot, describing the experience as sexual assault. Around the same time, a Business Insider report shared allegations that another former member, Dominykas “Durte Dom” Zeglaitis, had sexually assaulted a woman during the filming of a 2018 vlog shoot, in which alcohol was involved and the woman was allegedly unable to consent.
Then, rumors surfaced about an incident during filming, where Wittek filed a $10 million lawsuit against Dobrik in 2022, alleging negligence and intentional (yes) wrongdoing. And in 2024, Wittek stated that the case had been delayed, but he still hoped to take it to trial.
In the beginning of 2025, though, Dobrik surprised the internet when he announced his return to vlogging after a nearly 3-year hiatus.
He has maintained a big subscriber base (about 17.2 million) and fans responded with a mix of excitement and skepticism.
So is he still “canceled”?
It depends who you ask. Some past viewers have moved on or still hold negative views of him because of the 2021 controversy, while many long‑time fans are happy to see him back online. In the world of influencers, “cancellation” is often temporary, and he seems to be in the phase where he’s slowly rebuilding his brand.
3. Shane Dawson
Shane Dawson was one of YouTube’s original megastars, but he was also one of those stars who kind of knew that he would get cancelled.His early career was built on comedic character content and later on long‑form documentary videos about internet celebrities.
But his past (racist content, blackface, and jokes about minors) was unearthed in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
The result? Brands pulled deals, his books were dropped from stores, YouTube demonetized his channels, and he lost hundreds of thousands of subscribers as a result.
Has he recovered in 2026? It depends on who you ask, really. By 2025 and into 2026, Dawson’s presence on YouTube is not small (though it is smaller). He has shifted to niche content like paranormal investigation and conspiracy theories and has a dedicated audience. He no longer commands the cultural centrality he once had, though, and that’s important to note.
4. Jeffree Star
Jeffree Star’s career predates YouTube, beginning with MySpace popularity and later getting into the beauty industry with his own cosmetics line. While immensely successful, Star’s public persona was marred by a string of controversies, including accusations of racist comments and other problematic content.
Star’s involvement in the James Charles/Tati Westbrook feud amplified public backlash against him as well.
By the early 2020s, Star was distancing himself from the YouTube beauty community and focusing on his personal brand and ventures. In interviews around 2022, he spoke about moving away from the toxicity he saw online and living more privately, including at his ranch in Wyoming.
But, in the last year or so, Jeffree has stayed extremely active online and hasn’t shied away from controversy. He’s made blunt, often offensive comments about gender identity and the LGBTQ+ community that many outlets labeled transphobic (including saying he thinks nonbinary identities are “made up” and criticizing supportive parents), which brought fresh backlash, especially from LGBTQ+ advocates.
Has he recovered? Meanwhile, he still earns hundreds of thousands per day on platforms like TikTok by live‑selling products and doing livestreams.
5. Logan Paul
Logan Paul was already a massive YouTuber when, in late 2017, he posted a vlog that included footage of a deceased person in Japan’s Aokigahara forest, a site known for suicides. The clip drew worldwide condemnation for insensitivity and sparked widespread discussion about mental health and platform responsibility.
But despite the anger and hashtags demanding accountability, he wasn’t permanently ostracized in the way many people imagine “cancel culture” work, he kept millions of followers and continued making content.
Even though, in the 2024–2026 period, Logan’s career has been more about evolution than disappearance.
He became a full‑time WWE performer, signing a long‑term contract and wrestling regularly on television. He even got involved in reality TV with his brother Jake’s show “Paul American.”
But, he’s also stayed in the public spotlight through various business and legal matters, like the CryptoZoo NFT lawsuit that was dismissed and a defamation suit against Matchroom Boxing that was settled in 2025.
So is Logan still canceled? But, while many think he did serious wrongs and criticize him to this day, he isn’t sidelined or “totally cancelled”, he’s very much back in the mainstream spotlight.
6. Tana Mongeau
Tana Mongeau became a YouTube personality known for storytime videos AND drama‑filled content. Her most infamous cancellation moment came with TanaCon, an influencer convention intended to rival VidCon. Poor planning led to long lines, lack of water or food, and upset fans, which was a PR disaster that cost her credibility.
In 2024, Tana and co‑host Brooke Schofield continued their podcast Cancelled, which toured internationally and became a big part of their careers. But, that same year, she sparked online debate by alleging on her podcast that she had sex with fellow YouTuber Cody Ko when she was 17 and he was 25. This was an admission that reignited discussions and controversy again.
Is she totally canceled? She still has a large audience and produces content, and some fans remain very loyal.
7. Gabbie Hanna
Gabbie first rose to fame on Vine and later on YouTube, TikTok, and other social platforms, building a big following with personal vlogs, rants, music, and poetry. Over the years, she’s been involved in a ton of public drama (feuds, controversial statements, and emotional content) which led to large parts of the online world discussing and criticizing her behavior.
She also went through a period where she posted hundreds of intense TikToks in one day that worried followers and even triggered a wellness check from police due to concerns about her behavior and mental health.
Where is she today? In 2024 she uploaded an apology video on YouTube reflecting on her past actions and expressing a desire to change and grow. Many fans reacted positively to that video, saying it felt sincere, while others still want her to address specific past issues more directly. She also started her (Feb 2026)“An actually good podcast”. We’ll see how that one goes.
8. Colleen Ballinger
Ballinger built huge fame in the 2010s with her over‑the‑top comedy videos and (even) a Netflix series, getting millions of fans. But, in 2023 some very serious allegations started from former fans who shared specific accounts of disturbing messages or behavior (grooming claims), and this rapidly became a major controversy online.
Ballinger responded with a controversial ukulele apology video that many saw as condescending, which made the backlash worse and turned her into a warning story about how not to handle accusations publicly.
Since then she has not returned to the same level of influence she once had. She briefly announced a hiatus from YouTube in early 2025 to focus on her health and personal life, then quickly returned to vlogging on which she gathers on average 20k-30k views per video.
Is she totally canceled? Many online commentators still refer to her reputation as deeply damaged, and she’s far from widely “rehabilitated” in public opinion.
9. Sienna Mae
In 2021–2022, Sienna Mae was at the center of a huge internet backlash after fellow TikToker Jack Wright publicly accused her of sexually assaulting him, including sharing a video and a long YouTube explanation of the situation.
Sienna Mae denied the most serious claims and published a lengthy blog post saying she never committed sexual assault and that much of the narrative had been taken out of context. Around that time she lost a significant chunk of followers (reportedly over a million on TikTok) and faced widespread criticism.
Where is she now? Since then, Sienna Mae has continued her presence online. She’s posted on Instagram and TikTok about personal growth, body positivity, and confidence, and as of early 2026 she’s still active on social media with millions of followers.
10. Addison Rae
Addison Rae rose to massive fame on TikTok starting in 2019 for dance and lip‑sync videos. Along the way she faced backlash for various reasons. From old retweets criticizing Black Lives Matter (that she later apologized for) to jokes about jobs and occasional cultural appropriation claims.
But even, though some critics say that she “fell off” or “lost relevancy”, she was never truly “canceled” in the way that term implies (like a widespread, unilateral cultural push to permanently end her career).
Where is she now? The big 2026 flare-up hit at the Grammys on February 1, where her performance of “Fame Is a Gun” was roasted as a “messy lip-sync disaster”. Viewers called it “awful,” “chaotic,” and “tone-deaf,” accusing her of not singing live despite Best New Artist nod (lost to Olivia Dean), reigniting “industry plant” hate.
11. Zoe Laverne
Zoe became a major social media personality on TikTok with millions of followers, but her reputation suffered a severe hit in late 2020 when a video surfaced showing her, at age 19, kissing a 13‑year‑old fan, Connor Joyce.
That incident caused widespread backlash and allegations of inappropriate behavior and grooming online, provoking a wave of criticism and calls for her to be “canceled.” While she apologized and later said she and the teen had become “best friends” and recognized the age difference was wrong, many people never accepted that explanation and continued to view her actions as deeply problematic.
Where is she now? By 2026, she’s posting sporadically on TikTok with no new major content drops or collabs, focusing on married life.
12. OnlyJayus
Is a popular American TikToker, YouTuber, and content creator known for science facts, TMI overshares, relatable humor, and STEM advocacy. But her online presence took a sharp turn when some past racist and anti-LGBTQ slurs directed at other creators surfaced.
She initially denied authenticity, called screenshots “photoshopped,” then apologized privately via DMs but publicly deflected. This sparked #CancelOnlyJayus, with her comments flooded with demands to address it.
Then in 2024, ex-girlfriend Brittney Lee Deard filed for a restraining order alleging verbal abuse, harassment (showing up at home), and using socials to “berate” her.
Still canceled? Public opinion views her as “untrustworthy hypocrite” (racist/ableist + abuse claims), with a recent video exposing her again – video which gathered 1.5 million views.
13. Alix Earle
Alix Earle is a major American TikTok and Instagram influencer known for her “Get Ready With Me” videos and lifestyle content.
In 2024, some old screenshots surfaced showing her making racial slurs. Earle apologized publicly, saying she was young and didn’t understand the weight of those words at the time. Still, many critics said her response came too late.
She also saw her podcast, Hot Mess with Alix Earle, paused and eventually dropped from the Unwell Network in early 2025 after a public rift with Alex Cooper’s brand.
Where is she now? On one hand she continues to land major moments, like competing on Dancing with the Stars (where she placed second) and appearing in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show in 2026. On the other hand, she had to defend herself from critics saying that her presence there was “undeserved.”
14. Mikayla Nogueira
Mikayla Nogueira is a hugely popular American TikTok beauty influencer and makeup artist with millions of followers known for her energetic personality and makeup tutorials.
Back in the early-to-mid-2020s, she hit her first big controversy when critics accused her of being out-of-touch and overly commercial. Especially after a sponsored mascara review where many claimed she used false lashes or heavy editing instead of just the product, and didn’t clearly disclose the sponsorship.
Where is she now? She launched her own beauty brand, Point of View (POV) Beauty, which performed strongly at launch and expanded into new products like lip kits in 2025. But even for that, she faced criticism from fellow creators who called her out over a product controversy that spiraled out of control.
15. Bella Poarch
Bella Poarch first broke out as a TikTok sensation in 2020 thanks to a viral lip-sync video that became one of the most-liked posts in the platform’s history.
Like many big influencers, Poarch has had her share of backlash and calls for cancellation over the years. Early in her rise she drew heavy criticism for a tattoo she had that resembled the Imperial Japanese Rising Sun symbol (offensive to a lot of East Asians) and she publicly apologized and removed it after pressure.
Around 2023-24 there were some social media disputes and boycotts tied to comments she made about geopolitical topics tied to Israel and a planned ENHYPEN collaboration, though those did not lead to any lasting mainstream “cancellation.”
Is she still heavily canceled? Not, in the way people sometimes use that term as she still holds a huge social presence, but residue lingers.
16. Danielle Bernstein
Danielle Bernstein is an American fashion influencer and entrepreneur best known for founding WeWoreWhat, a successful blog-turned-fashion brand that gathered major following.
But her reputation hasn’t been smooth. Multiple smaller designers and fashion watchers have accused her of copying designs or borrowing others’ work without proper credit which sparked backlash online. She’s also faced heat for behavior during the pandemic and other public missteps that fueled the idea she should be “canceled.”
Where is she now? from a reputation standpoint, she hasn’t fully shaken the criticism that dogged her for years. Many in fashion and online communities still bring up past controversies, and she’s been the subject of fresh negative commentary. Like accusations from a former hairstylist calling her “controlling” and “cheap.”
17. Scottykfitness
Scotty K Fitness (Scotty Knox Flynn) is a mustachioed American fitness influencer and former firefighter who exploded on TikTok with raw workout challenges, mental health advocacy, and humorous rants, amassing a total of 7million followers across all platforms.
The controversy that led to him being “cancelled” erupted in late January 2026. He reacted publicly to a comment comparing his look to a TV character and, rather than dismiss it, he shared personal information about the commenter online (a now-deleted video). This is a form of doxxing that many people view as a serious violation of online etiquette.
Is he totally canceled? Critics said some of his follow-up comments crossed the line into mocking a disabled person, too. This backlash prompted his supplement sponsor, Ryse to cut ties and sparked widespread criticism across social platforms.
18. Peach McIntyre
Peach McIntyre is a lifestyle and family content creator known for her YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook presence. She’s been a controversial figure for a while, with drama swirling around her content, her reactions to commenters, and the way she handles sensitive topics online.
Some posts and videos have sparked backlash from viewers, including accusations of insensitivity toward vulnerable people like those with serious illnesses, racial profiling concerns, and general tone issues.
Because of this, there are even petitions online calling for her to be “cancelled” or banned from platforms – and these petitions have gathered a few thousand signatures in early 2026, mostly from people upset at her behavior on social media.
Where is she now? Despite the backlash, she hasn’t been officially deplatformed or removed from major services. She still posts content, has an active YouTube channel with hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and continues to produce videos into early 2026.
19. Yaya Mayweather
Iyanna “Yaya” Mayweather, daughter of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, is a social media influencer and aspiring model known for her flashy lifestyle posts on Instagram and ties to rapper NBA YoungBoy, with whom she shares a son.
Her major cancellation stemmed from a 2020 stabbing incident in Houston, where she attacked Lapattra Jacobs (NBA YoungBoy’s then-pregnant girlfriend) with a knife during a confrontation at his home.
The violent act, amid NBA YoungBoy’s own legal woes (multiple baby mamas, arrests), branded her a “crazy violent stalker” in media and TikTok roasts.
Where is she now? In early 2026, she made headlines for publicly criticizing NBA YoungBoy for how he handled their son’s birthday expenses. And she also went viral joking about being bored and possibly getting a job “for fun,” which many commenters saw as a performative moment rooted in her privileged upbringing.
20. Mario Mirante
Mario Mirante is a social media influencer and content creator known especially for his videos and for co‑hosting the Pretty Funny podcast with fellow creator Brynne Marie.
He faced cancellation starting around March 2024. At the time, it started with a “wood burning” controversy. People called it environmentally reckless AND a fire hazard, receiving TikTok backlash for insensitivity during California wildfires.
Tensions escalated in 2025 with political posts perceived as divisive, and peaked in January 2026, the month when Brynne announced their 2-year breakup on TikTok. All this happened amid Mario’s raw mental health videos admitting “psychosis fears” and feeling “judged like Truman Show”. This sparked speculation about potential toxicity or abuse in the relationship, as well as concerns that he might have been drinking around his girlfriend, who was a recovering alcoholic.
Where is he now? At this point, Mario appears active online in some capacity, though publicly dealing with a quieter moment in his career and life.
Capping Off
Influencer culture is always changing. Micro-influencers are on the rise, platforms are cracking down with more rules, and audiences are paying closer attention than ever. Being accountable is more important now than ever. Influencers and platforms both need to step up if they want to keep trust and stay relevant.
As the industry keeps evolving, everyone (creators, followers, brands, and platforms) has to stay aware and act responsibly. That’s the only way to keep this world of online influence healthy and meaningful.
FAQ
Q1: What does it mean when an influencer is “canceled”?
Being “canceled” basically means an influencer or celebrity gets hit with major backlash online for something they did, either recently or way back. They usually don’t get shocked when they lose brand deals, get roasted on social media or news, lose money from ads, or even have their accounts restricted/banned.
Q2: Are all canceled influencers permanently out of the public eye?
Not necessarily and not always. Take James Charles, for example. He’s had major drama but managed to bounce back despite the fact that there’s actually no real peace. If someone recovers really comes down to how bad the scandal was, if they own up to it, and if they keep putting out content people actually like.
And then there are other people who do face online gossip or criticism but aren’t “officially” canceled (Mario Mirante).
Q3: What types of behavior typically trigger cancel culture?
Common triggers include:
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Racist slurs, sexist, or offensive content
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Sexual misconduct or grooming allegations
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Fishy business practices
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Repeatedly insensitive or harmful actions
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Even political content can be a trigger (if they have never been political to begin with)
Q4: Can public opinion be different from industry “cancellation”?
Yes. Public opinion is often split. There are some fans who will continue to support the creator for their honesty or personal growth, while others may criticize them harshly for their past.
Q5: Can influencers avoid cancellation?
No one is fully immune, but some ways include:
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Being mindful of past content before posting
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Owning up to mistakes early (don’t use a ukulele)
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Staying consistent with current and future positive, respectful behavior
Q6: Is cancel culture permanent?
Not always. It depends on public memory, the severity of their actions, and how they handle accountability, even though we must say that cancellations were more severe years ago.
