Fans speculate that James Charles was originally in Bella Poarch's 'Build a B*tch' music video, but cut after his sexting scandal

• Some people think James Charles was removed from Bella Poarch's "Build a B*tch" music video.
• A TikTok seems to show Charles in costume, and fans spotted someone who looks like him in the video.
• Charles has been embroiled in controversy due to accusations that he sexted underage boys.

Fans are speculating that influencer James Charles was cut from the final version of TikToker Bella Poarch's music video for her debut song "Build a B*tch" amid ongoing controversy over allegations that he sexted minors.

The speculation is based on a video that's been circulating on TikTok. It appears to show Charles in costume alongside Poarch and other guest stars in the video while it was being filmed.

Bella Poarch, one of TikTok's biggest stars with 68 million followers, released the music video for her first single "Build a B*tch" on May 14. In just a week, it's amassed over 77 million views. The video features appearances from other internet stars including YouTube streamer Valkyrae, TikToker Larray, and artist and YouTuber ZHC. In the video they play out a scenario in which customizable women stage a revolution in the shop from which they're being sold.

A clip was originally posted to TikTok by the account @Zilbersteve. The account may belong to Steve Zilberman, Bella Poarch's current head of content, as it uses the same handle as the Instagram account which is linked from his website. The avatar on the TikTok account also matches the photo used on his LinkedIn page and Instagram, and the account frequently features some of the influencers and celebrities listed as clients on his website, such as Poarch and musician Benny Blanco. Zilberman did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The video sparked speculation that Charles had been cut from the final version of the music video. Charles is one of the internet's biggest beauty influencers, with over 25 million subscribers on YouTube, and nearly 27 million followers on Instagram. He is a controversial figure and has been involved in some of YouTube's biggest creator dramas. Charles has mostly stopped posting on social media in recent weeks following allegations that he sexted minors.

"I'm not sure half of these actors' names but I recognize @bellapoarch I can't wait to see this!!!!" the caption on the TikTok video reads.

@zilbersteve

I’m not sure half of these actors names but I recognize @bellapoarch I can’t wait to see this!!!!

♬ Build a B*tch - Bella Poarch

The footage shows a group of people that appear to include Poarch, alongside fellow influencers Valkyrae, Larray, ZHC, and Charles dancing in costumes that match those from the video. Valkyrae also posted several TikTok videos that match the costumes and location on her personal account.

The comments of the video are filled with remarks about Charles, with people speculating that he was removed from the video and left uncredited.

Someone who bears a physical resemblance to Charles appears to be briefly visible in the final product, heavily obscured by smoke. Unlike the influencers who visibly appeared in the video, Charles is not named in the credits.

Charles has recently been embroiled in controversy following allegations that he sexted minors, which he addressed in a video titled "holding myself accountable." In it, he says that accusers had lied to him about their ages and pretended to be adults. He also said that he exchanged sexual messages with them because he was "desperate."

On May 12, Insider reported that Charles' former employee Kelly Rocklein was suing Charles. The lawsuit alleges wrongful termination, disability discrimination, failure to provide reasonable accommodation, and failure to pay minimum wage for overtime hours worked. Charles declined to comment on the allegations to Insider at the time but filed a response to the complaint that denies her claims. He also accused Rocklein of going public with her story to pressure him publicly into a higher settlement offer in a video posted to Twitter on May 10.

Bella Poarch and James Charles did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.