YouTube
YouTube star Colleen Ballinger has finally responded to fans’ allegations that she interacted with underage fans in ways that were toxic and exploitative. Rather than put out a written statement or somber apology video, however, the comedian pulled out a ukulele and played a trite song—against the stated wishes of her “team” who she reveals “strongly advised” her not to “say what I want to say.”
“I recently realized they never said I couldn’t sing what I want to say,” she adds with a smile.
Fans including Adam McIntyre, now 20, allege that in private group chats, Ballinger behaved inappropriately when they were teenagers. In a YouTube video, McIntyre has shared screenshots in which Ballinger asks the group questions such as “Are u a Virgin?” and “What’s your fav position?” The allegations against Ballinger and others in her circle have made headlines in outlets including Rolling Stone and HuffPost.