The James Charles ‘Spirit Airlines’ Controversy, Explained
Key takeaways
- Charles has since apologized and deleted the offending TikTok, but the controversy continues, igniting social media discourse.
- Make-up influencer James Charles recently took to TikTok to vent after receiving a DM with a GoFundMe link and a donation request.
- The message was sent by Amber Lendof Vargas, who started a GoFundMe after losing her job at Spirit Airlines.
Arts The James Charles ‘Spirit Airlines’ Controversy, Explained Beauty influencer James Charles apologized after sparking backlash on Tik Tok for mocking a laid-off Spirit Airlines worker—here’s the controversy, explained.By Dani Di Placido,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dani Di Placido covers film, television, and internet culture.Follow Author May 15, 2026, 02:39pm EDTUpdated May 15, 2026, 02:51pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.James Charles sparked backlash on TikTok after responding to a DM from a laid-off Spirit Airlines worker. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Painted)Getty Images for PaintedJames Charles has sparked online backlash after posting a TikTok criticizing a former Spirit Airlines worker who messaged the beauty influencer for financial assistance.
Charles has since apologized and deleted the offending TikTok, but the controversy continues, igniting social media discourse.