It’s official: James Charles will not return as a host for Season 2 of the YouTube Originals series Instant Influencer. Season 1 of the hit series featured Charles and focused on his search for social media’s next big Beauty Influencer. Charles was initially confirmed to host the second season last year. However – YouTube has decided to pivot and focus on a more diverse range of creators outside the beauty industry.
A spokesperson from YouTube revealed to the Variety why they have decided to recast 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. 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 first season – which aired in 2020 – was a massive hit due to Charles’s huge follower base and featured guests such as Paris Hilton and Norvina – the President of Anastasia Beverly Hills. The Season 1 winner Ashley Strong walked away with $50,000 and also got the opportunity to feature in one of Charles’ YouTube videos.
This announcement from YouTube comes weeks after Charles faced multiple accusations of inappropriate behavior with a minor. The allegations include Charles sending lewd images to a 16-year old minor on Snapchat. He denied this accusation in a statement that he shared on his social media account and claimed that he was unaware of the 16 year-old’s real age:
— James Charles (@jamescharles) February 26, 2021
YouTube has yet to announce who the new Season 2 host will be. Will season 2 of the hit series see the same success without Charles as the host? We will have to wait and see.