Adam Ray Okay defends James Charles YouTube collaboration following backlash
25 March 2020, 12:03
"You aren’t doing the community any favours by teaming up with an unapologetically racist and predatory influencer."
Adam Ray Okay has defended his recent YouTube collaboration with James Charles after receiving backlash from fans because of James' previous racist comments and impersonation of Adam's TikTok character Rosa.
Adam Ray Okay, real name Adam Martinez, received a glamorous makeover from James and discussed his upcoming plans for his viral TikTok character Rosa, in a new video titled "Dude Come Here... Giving Rosa A Makeover!"
READ MORE: James Charles and David Dobrik just matched on Bumble and we're screaming
In the 13-minute clip, the YouTuber went to work scrubbing off Rosa's trademark "busted contour and highlight" and switching it up for a blue smokey eye look, while discussing how Rosa came to be.
Dude Come Here... Giving Rosa A Makeover!
Within 24 hours of the video being uploaded, it had amassed millions of views. However, many were upset with Adam for collaborating with James because of his past racist comments. In February, James was also called out for a "racist" impersonation of Rosa, who is Lantix.
People didn't understand why Adam would collaborate with James considering his past behaviour.
Damn it Rosa ... you went to the wrong side ... https://t.co/f5caxVZW9a
— 🦂DADDY (@Monalise_ah) March 24, 2020
You are so so so great AND you’ve built a platform that comes with a reality that you influence media. This means your decision of who you collaborate with carries impact. We love you, but James has fucked up so many times. Don’t endorse his shitty behavior and build him up.
— gia onomatopoeia (@missgiagiagia) March 24, 2020
You aren’t doing the community any favors by teaming up with an unapologetically racist and predatory influencer. Coming from a city that is statistically ~80% racial minority you should want to avoid associating yourself with someone who has a reputation like James Charles.
— ✨Rosa Quartz✨ (@leahhtbh) March 24, 2020
well it was fun while it lasted pic.twitter.com/oJXQraWgO8
— doja cat lovebot (@italiangirlstan) March 24, 2020
Damn why do white people ruin everything we love😔😔 I can already hear James’ offensive ass accent https://t.co/8ZVULwsnBd
— Baby Esponja (@iranthegreat) March 24, 2020
Well, the Rosa videos were funny while they lasted but selling your soul for a racist & a couple of YouTube views is more important.
— Jedidiah (@HeyJedz) March 24, 2020
RIHANNA ACKNOWLEDGED YOU, INVITED YOU TO THE FENTY HOUSE FOR YOU TO PICK....
JAMES CHARLES?? pic.twitter.com/5bZjGDJYUj
Adam has now addressed the backlash over the video on Twitter. He tweeted: "I take SO MUCH pride in who I am and where I come from. I’m so fucking happy I can represent my community all around the world to millions of people. If you don’t see the greatness in what I’ve been doing... idk what to tell u. Remain positive or leave [sic]."
I take SO MUCH pride in who I am and where I come from. I’m so fucking happy I can represent my community all around the world to millions of people. If you don’t see the greatness in what I’ve been doing... idk what to tell u. Remain positive or leave 😇
— ADAMRAYOKAY (@ADAMRAYOKAY) March 24, 2020
This wouldn't be the first time an internet personality has caught some heat for collaborating with James, though. Earlier this month, Bretman Rock defended James after collaborating on a Song Association Game video. The YouTuber said that while he doesn't agree with James' past behaviour, and he doesn't excuse it, there's no excuse for all the hate that James receives.
READ MORE: James Charles deletes "racist" video of Rosa TikTok impersonation following backlash
