Almost 5 months after her broadly criticized Ukulele apology went viral, YouTuber Colleen Ballinger is again within the public eye — to combined reactions.
After allegations mount that she engaged in inappropriate interactions with underage followers, Ballinger, 36, uploaded a video to her vlog channel in June with the title: “HelloIn it, she performs the ukulele whereas addressing the backlash with a 10-minute track concerning the “poisonous gossip prepare.”
The video grew to become one of the vital condemned and ridiculed apologies on the web, with many criticizing Ballenger for showing to mock the intense allegations.
“I simply wished to say the one factor I ever raised was my Persian cat,” Ballinger sang. “I am not a nanny. I am only a loser who did not perceive that I should not reply to followers.”
She then disappeared from the web till Saturday when she dropped a video titled “Autumn vlog“, the place she spent the primary jiffy apologizing for her previous conduct earlier than shifting on to a vlog of her day.
“Clearly, the final video you posted right here is de facto embarrassing, to say the least,” Ballinger mentioned within the video. “I have been accused of some fairly horrible issues and I used to be offended and I ought to have dealt with that state of affairs with maturity and compassion, however as a substitute I let my ego get one of the best of me and I am very disenchanted in myself.”
She went on to say that she felt “horrible” for inflicting harm at instances when she “did not assume sufficient” in her interactions with followers. She additionally apologized to those that have been disenchanted by her silence over the previous few months, saying she wanted time to hear and study in an effort to “create a constructive, form, inclusive and protected area on-line” shifting ahead.
“I don’t count on anybody to welcome me again with open arms,” she mentioned. “I do not count on to alter anybody’s thoughts with this video. I simply wished to come back out right here and say I am sorry.”
Ballinger didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The YouTuber rose to fame as a result of her satirical character Miranda Sings, a foolish character with a wierd singing type and lack of self-awareness. For the reason that character’s creation in 2008, she has amassed greater than 22 million subscribers throughout three YouTube channels. She additionally had a present on Netflix that ran for 2 seasons, in addition to a comedy particular on the platform.
The allegations about Ballinger’s conduct surfaced early in 2020, when YouTuber Adam McIntyre filmed a video claiming she fashioned an inappropriate friendship with him when he was 13 to 16 years outdated and despatched him underwear as a prank. On the time, Ballinger responded to a few of McIntyre’s allegations in a video titled: “Process everything“.
The McIntyre allegations resurfaced this month after one other YouTube creator, KodeeRants, who known as McIntyre a liar in 2020, made a now-deleted video displaying alleged screenshots of Ballinger asking concerning the group’s “most popular place” and suggesting McIntyre embody a query in Query and reply on his web site. Channel about whether or not the then teenager was a virgin or not.
Though followers left feedback on Ballinger’s return vlog about how a lot they missed her, others on-line aren’t fairly able to welcome her again — with many instantly criticizing her new video.
“Colleen Ballinger pondering she may come again on-line with a ‘honest’ apology (utilizing that phrase very loosely) after which finish the apology video with a daily vlog…is weird at greatest,” one person to publish On X. “The apology was supposed to come back 4 months in the past, however as a substitute we have been ridiculed.”
Some have additionally expressed skepticism that Ballinger’s return coincides with the time of 12 months when creators are likely to see the best earnings from YouTube advertisements, as manufacturers start shopping for extra advert area in preparation for the vacations.
“Colleen Ballinger is returning to YouTube as soon as her prime Adsense vlogger season begins,” an X person booksConnect a video to finish the meme.
The video additionally sparked a flurry of discourse on the subreddit r/ColleenBallingerSnark, a neighborhood devoted to discussing Ballinger and people related together with her.
Regardless of primarily skeptical reactions on-line, Ballinger has been acquired extra warmly on her social media profiles and in her YouTube feedback.
“I used to be simply pondering of you along with your twins and your birthdays. “I am so glad that you’re doing higher and actively engaged on bettering your self,” one commenter wrote on her “Autumn Vlog” video. “It’s by no means too late to develop as an individual. I like the period of quick hair. Welcome again ❤”
Nevertheless, some followers say they’re nonetheless hesitant to supply their help.
“I really feel actually torn. I was an enormous fan and I used to be so upset to see all of the issues that got here out about you. “I am glad to know you are okay,” learn one other widespread touch upon the video. “I really feel just like the apology was honest however I need to see accountability, and if It was a public or non-public apology to the folks concerned. I hope this can be a new starting on a more healthy path.
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