Makeup lovers are boycotting Morphe as the brand stays silent on James Charles sexting allegations

Makeup lovers are boycotting Morphe as the brand stays silent on James Charles sexting allegations

James Charles attends his Morphe Meet & Greet at Roosevelt Field Mall on December 1, 2018 in Garden City, New York.
Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
Makeup brand Morphe is being bombarded by the “#BoycottMorphe” hashtag on social media.
The firm is being criticized for its longtime sponsorship and collaboration with James Charles.
Charles has been accused by greater than 15 males and boys of sexual harassment and sexting with minors.
Makeup brand Morphe could also be dealing with a boycott over its continued help of James Charles, who has been accused by greater than 15 males and boys of sexual harassment and sexting minors. He launched a video addressing a few of the allegations on April 1 and stated “these conversations ought to have by no means occurred.”The make-up firm, which can be identified as Morphe Cosmetics and Morphe Brushes, has not responded to Insider’s inquiries about its longtime partnership with Charles, who seems in Morphe advertising and marketing campaigns, has minimize ribbons at a number of Morphe retailer openings, and who’s the face of the best-selling Morphe x James Charles Artistry Palette. But a podcast host stated on Twitter that they obtained an e mail from a Morphe consultant saying that the brand “doesn’t condone inappropriate on-line habits of any kind.” The purported e mail, which was screenshotted and shared extensively on-line, continued: “We have been actively trying into the latest allegations in opposition to James Charles, and have suspended advertising and marketing of the Morphe X James Charles collaboration whereas we proceed to judge and monitor the scenario.” The purported e mail circulated in the on-line beauty-drama group and led to Morphe’s social-media posts being overrun with detrimental feedback. The hashtag “#BoycottMorphe” appeared in over 200 tweets and in dozens of Instagram feedback on Morphe’s account since Charles’ video was posted on April 1.

One remark on a latest Morphe Instagram submit asking the firm to “take away” the palette from their retailer reached over 400 likes. “How about really listening to followers and possibly you would not be dropping cash proper now,” says one other remark with over 300 likes.The latest accusations in opposition to Charles embody greater than a dozen so-called “exposé” TikToks made by people who declare Charles used Snapchat to ship or solicit sexually suggestive or express messages and images. Several of those people say they have been minors at the time. Insider was unable to independently corroborate all of the allegations.Charles’ partnership with Morphe has been an integral a part of his personal on-line brand for years. He even beforehand bought a hoodie that stated “Use code ‘JAMES’ for 10 % off,” referencing his well-known affiliate low cost code for the web site. Morphe’s low cost code “JAMES” nonetheless works on its web site Morphe launched in 2008 as a magnificence brand meant for collaborative partnerships with influencers and creators in the make-up and sweetness area on-line, based on the firm’s web site. Those creators have included Manny Gutierrez (Manny MUA), Nikita Dragun, Jaclyn Hill, Bretman Rock, and Charles, amongst others. Collaborations sometimes embody a signature Morphe X eyeshadow palette.Charles’ rainbow-themed Artistry Palette continues to be listed on Morphe’s web site underneath the “Best Sellers” tab, together with the miniature palette and Charles’ branded makeup-brush set.

Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
While Morphe hasn’t posted on Instagram about Charles’ merchandise since March 25, Insider confirmed that his affiliate code nonetheless works on the web site. Customers can use code “JAMES” for 10% off their buy.Morphe has separated from controversial creators in the previous yrIt would not be unprecedented for the firm to half methods with considered one of its main featured creators. In June 2020, Morphe stopped working with YouTubers Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star as the creators have been embroiled in controversy. It “ceased all industrial exercise” with Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Star’s brand that had beforehand been bought in brick-and-mortar Morphe shops. Morphe additionally stopped promoting the common Conspiracy make-up assortment marketed by Star and Dawson. The transfer got here after YouTuber Tati Westbrook launched a video accusing Star and Dawson of getting “manipulated” her into accusing Charles of sexual misconduct with boys in 2019. Westbrook additionally claimed that Star had possession in Morphe, which the firm denied to Insider. At the identical time, Dawson was being extensively condemned by mainstream celebrities and on-line critics alike for his previous offensive content material.

Jeffree Star, Manny Gutierrez and James Charles rejoice The Launch Of KKW Beauty on June 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Full Picture
When clients requested about Morphe’s ties to Star and Dawson at the finish of June 2020, the firm initially wrote in related purported emails to clients that it didn’t “condone or agree with the actions and habits of Shane Dawson.” Before formally separating from Star, the firm additionally wrote that “Jeffree Star has acknowledged errors made in the previous and has apologized, taken accountability, and labored laborious to make amends inside the group.”Facing mounting stress from clients, it is unclear whether or not Charles’ future with Morphe will comply with an analogous trajectory to Star and Dawson. Neither Charles nor Morphe have responded to Insider’s a number of requests for remark.

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