Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
IShowSpeed Moves To Twitch After YouTube Ban? His Editor Reacts To Rumors
Rumors have been swirling that popular streamer IShowSpeed might be making a move to Twitch after his main YouTube channel was hit with a temporary ban. The IShowSpeed YouTube ban occurred on August 5, when the platform issued a Community Guidelines strike against Speed’s channel. This strike came after the streamer filmed himself performing a dangerous stunt where he jumped over two oncoming supercars, an act that quickly went viral but also raised safety concerns. The IShowSpeed ban, which is expected to last around two weeks, left many of his fans wondering if he would switch platforms in the meantime. Speculation about a potential move to Twitch began when Speed’s editor, known as ‘slipz’ on Twitter/X, shared a screenshot of the violation notice and expressed frustration with YouTube’s decision. Slipz pleaded with YouTube to reverse the ban, noting the recent success of Speed’s content, particularly following his high-profile trip across Europe. The rumors gained momentum after a fan suggested that it might be \"Twitch time\" for Speed, to which Slipz responded, “At this point, it wouldn’t hurt.” This offhand comment led some to believe that IShowSpeed might be considering a switch to Twitch, especially given the two-week suspension from his primary streaming platform. However, as the rumors spread, Slipz himself was quick to shut them down, asking for a “source” when people began speculating about Speed’s potential move to Twitch. When a fan pointed out Slipz\'s earlier comment as a possible hint, Slipz clarified that his statement was not meant to suggest that IShowSpeed was seriously considering a switch to Twitch. Instead, it appears that the editor’s comment was more of a frustrated response to the situation rather than a genuine indication of future plans. As of now, IShowSpeed has not made any official statements about moving to Twitch. In fact, the streamer took to his alternate Twitter account to update his fans, stating that he is currently “recharging” his batteries. This suggests that Speed is using the time off to rest rather than planning a shift to another platform. With IShowSpeed’s YouTube ban expected to last for around two weeks, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. For now, the rumors of a switch to Twitch appear to be unfounded, and fans will have to wait to see how Speed navigates this temporary setback.
\’Thanksgiving 2\’ Cast Revealed: Addison Rae Returns In Horror Movie Sequel
It appears that Addison Rae is likely to return for the sequel to Eli Roth\'s horror movie Thanksgiving. The first film, released in November 2023, quickly garnered attention for its unique premise and was successful enough to prompt the development of a sequel. Roth, who directed and co-wrote the original film, recently hinted at Rae\'s return while speaking at the premiere of his new movie Borderlands. When asked if Rae would reprise her role in the upcoming sequel, Roth responded with a smile, saying, “I love Addison Rae. We kept her alive for a reason. It doesn’t feel like a ‘Thanksgiving’ movie without Addison Rae.” While this suggests that Rae’s character, Gaby, could be making a comeback, sources indicate that Rae\'s deal for the sequel has not yet been officially signed. In Thanksgiving, Rae\'s character was one of the few survivors of a terrifying killing spree orchestrated by a serial killer dressed as a 17th-century pilgrim. The movie was set in Plymouth, Massachusetts, during the Thanksgiving holiday and was inspired by a fake trailer Roth directed for the 2007 film Grindhouse. The movie also featured stars like Patrick Dempsey, Milo Manheim, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Nell Verlaque, Rick Hoffman, and Gina Gershon. The original film was a box office success, grossing $46 million worldwide on a $15 million budget. Its financial success, coupled with the positive reception from horror fans, paved the way for the sequel, which Roth and co-writer Jeff Rendell are currently working on. The script for Thanksgiving 2 is reportedly nearing completion, with Roth and Rendell set to hand it over to the studio soon. The sequel is confirmed to take place during Thanksgiving again, keeping with the theme that made the first film stand out. However, when asked about expanding the franchise to other holidays, Roth was cautious, saying, “Let’s get the sequel done first.” Thanksgiving 2 is slated for a 2025 release, and fans are already eagerly awaiting the return of the serial killer John Carver. Roth himself expressed his excitement on Instagram, writing, “BREAKING NEWS! John Carver will kill again!” He thanked fans for supporting the original film and emphasized the importance of taking time to perfect the script for the sequel. As of now, while Addison Rae’s involvement isn’t officially confirmed, Roth’s comments strongly suggest that her character will play a significant role in the next chapter of the Thanksgiving saga.
K-pop Star Ko Young-wook YouTube Blasted Following 2013 Sexual Assault Conviction
Ko Young-wook, the former K-pop star best known for his role in the group Roo’ra, has ignited significant controversy with the recent launch of his YouTube channel. This move has been met with widespread criticism due to his 2013 conviction for sexually assaulting and harassing underage girls. On August 5, Ko Young-wook uploaded his debut video to his newly created YouTube channel. The video, which features a brief glimpse of his pet dog and a photograph of himself, has already garnered around 210,000 views. Despite the high view count, the comment section of the video has been disabled, possibly due to anticipated negative feedback. In the video, Ko Young-wook stated that his decision to start the channel was not part of a grandiose comeback plan but rather an attempt to break the monotony of his “shameful” life. He expressed that he felt he was aging poorly and hoped that creating the channel might provide some distraction from his solitary existence. He also mentioned feeling conflicted about whether he should remain silent given his criminal record and voiced his regret over the impact on his family. Ko Young-wook’s attempt to reconnect with the public via social media has been met with immediate backlash. Critics argue that his move to enter the digital space is an inappropriate attempt to rehabilitate his image after his serious criminal offenses. The 2013 Supreme Court ruling sentenced him to two and a half years in prison and required him to wear an ankle monitor for three years following his release. He served his prison term until 2015 and wore the monitoring device until 2018. Previously, Ko Young-wook faced difficulties with social media. In 2020, he attempted to create an Instagram account but was banned shortly after. He also launched a Twitter account that remains inactive. His reappearance on social media through YouTube has sparked renewed discussions about his past crimes and the ethics of his public comeback. As the former K-pop star navigates the complex terrain of his return to the public eye, the response to his YouTube presence underscores ongoing debates about accountability, rehabilitation, and the role of social media in shaping public perceptions of individuals with criminal records.
Is MrBeast Using A \’Dishonest\’ YouTube Ad Trick So Viewers Won\’t Skip?
MrBeast, the internet’s most popular YouTuber, has recently faced criticism over a controversial tactic used in a sponsored segment of one of his videos. In his recent upload, ‘Survive 100 Days In Nuclear Bunker, Win $500,000,’ MrBeast featured an ad for the mobile game Monster Hunter Now, but it’s the way the ad was presented that has viewers up in arms. The crux of the controversy lies in the ad\'s progress bar. Initially, the bar advances quickly, giving the impression that the ad will be brief. However, as pointed out by X user Rhys Sullivan, the progress slows dramatically after reaching the halfway point, with the latter part of the ad dragging out significantly longer than anticipated. Sullivan observed, “It hits the halfway mark at 10 seconds, then the next half takes 35 seconds to complete.” This deceptive approach has sparked a fierce debate among viewers. Some critics argue that the technique is a deliberate attempt to manipulate viewers into watching a longer ad. “That’s dark, tricks the user into wasting precious time,” one viewer commented, while another expressed disdain, saying, “Wow he has no respect for his audience at all. Noticed this and it wasn’t exactly subtle, super dishonest.” The reaction from other YouTube personalities has been equally divided. Speedrun YouTuber Summoning Salt criticized the tactic as a blatant psychological deception, stating, “I hate this so much. It comes across as having no respect at all for your viewers. At least try to hide the psychological deception a little bit…” However, not everyone shares this negative view. Some users defended the strategy, calling it a smart move. “This is a good strat,” one person said, while another remarked, “Honestly a 900iq strategy lol. I’m sure he has a deal with the Monster Hunter team to be compensated per lead his video creates instead of just a flat amount.” Despite the mixed reactions, MrBeast has not yet responded to the backlash. The YouTuber’s last social media update, dated July 24, focused on announcing an independent investigation into allegations against his former employee, Ava Kris Tyson. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether MrBeast will address the controversy surrounding his ad strategy.
IShowSpeed YouTube Hit With Temporary Ban Over McLaren Jumping Video
YouTube star IShowSpeed, known for his over-the-top antics and live streaming prowess, recently faced a temporary ban on the platform following a daring stunt involving luxury cars. The incident that triggered the ban saw IShowSpeed filming himself jumping over both a Lamborghini and a McLaren supercar in quick succession, an act that captivated his audience but ultimately violated YouTube\'s guidelines. IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., has built a significant following with his outrageous and often risky content. From setting off fireworks in his bedroom to hurdling over oncoming cars, Speed’s stunts have become a hallmark of his channel. In July, he leaped over his Cristiano Ronaldo-themed Lamborghini, a video that went viral and further cemented his reputation for extreme challenges. Not one to rest on his laurels, Speed upped the ante in August by repeating the feat with a McLaren, performing back-to-back jumps over the high-speed vehicles. While the videos garnered millions of views and widespread attention, they also caught the eye of YouTube’s moderation team. On the night of August 5, Speed’s editor shared a screenshot on Twitter/X, revealing that the channel had received an Active Community Guidelines strike. The following day, Speed addressed his fans directly in a video, confirming the temporary ban on his main channel. “Hey guys, if y’all are watching this right now, I’m banned on YouTube on my main channel,” Speed announced. “I cannot stream or do anything, guys. I just wanted to let y’all know. I love y’all, bro.” The ban, which is reportedly set to last for two weeks, restricts Speed from streaming or uploading new content on his primary channel. Although his past videos remain accessible to viewers, the live stream featuring the supercar stunts has been removed. This setback comes at a peak in Speed’s streaming career, following a highly publicized trip across Europe where he attracted large crowds of fans in cities like Amsterdam and Oslo. Despite the ban, Speed is already planning future content, including a livestreamed trip across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. His followers remain eager for his return and the next round of high-adrenaline antics. For now, though, his main YouTube channel will be on hiatus, leaving fans in anticipation of his comeback. This incident highlights the fine line content creators must navigate between captivating their audience and adhering to platform policies. IShowSpeed\'s temporary ban serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of pushing boundaries too far, even for a star of his caliber.
Did Adin Ross Cause Trump To Violate Campaign Fundraising Law?
The intersection of social media influence and political campaigns took an intriguing turn when former President Donald Trump appeared on a live stream hosted by popular internet personality Adin Ross. The event raised eyebrows and potential legal questions, particularly regarding campaign finance laws. Adin Ross, a well-known streamer with a substantial following, is no stranger to controversy. His guests have included figures such as Andrew Tate, currently facing serious charges in Romania, and Nick Fuentes, a self-proclaimed white supremacist. Ross\'s fame surged despite being banned from Twitch for making homophobic and racist comments; he now streams on Kick, a competitor to Twitch. During a recent stream on Kick, Ross interviewed Trump in what turned out to be an 80-minute session filled with both praise and lavish gifts. The stream\'s highlight was Ross presenting Trump with a Tesla Cybertruck and a Rolex watch. The extravagant gifts, valued well beyond the legal limit for campaign contributions, have prompted Trump\'s campaign to seek guidance from the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Under current campaign finance laws, individuals are limited to contributing $3,300 to a political candidate per election cycle. The Cybertruck, starting at $60,000, and the Rolex, with base models around $5,000, far exceed this limit, potentially constituting a campaign finance violation. During the stream, Trump expressed his admiration for the gifts, calling the Cybertruck \"incredible\" and \"beautiful.\" The scene took place in the front seat of the vehicle, where Trump and Ross engaged in a casual yet politically charged conversation. In one segment, Trump spoke favorably about rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, despite Ye\'s history of antisemitic comments and subsequent loss of sponsorships. This is not the first time Trump has been associated with controversial figures; in 2022, he hosted Ye and Fuentes for dinner at Mar-a-Lago, which drew considerable criticism. The interview with Ross is part of Trump\'s broader strategy to engage with younger voters, particularly those following fringe influencers. This demographic is typically more progressive, but Trump aims to sway them by leveraging the massive reach of internet celebrities like Ross. The stream drew a significant audience, with up to 500,000 viewers tuning in, reflecting Ross\'s substantial influence. Trump\'s interactions with online influencers are becoming a notable trend in his campaign for the 2024 election. He has appeared with other internet personalities, including Jake Paul and his brother Logan Paul, as well as supporting figures like JD Vance, who have engaged with controversial YouTube pranksters, the Nelk Boys. The implications of Ross\'s gifts to Trump are yet to be fully determined, but they underscore the complex and evolving relationship between social media influencers and political campaigns. As the 2024 election approaches, the FEC\'s response and any subsequent legal actions will be closely watched, potentially setting new precedents in campaign finance law.
Olympic Influencer Denies Getting Kicked Out Of Paris Olympics 2024
The Paris Olympics 2024 have been rife with excitement and drama, but few stories have garnered as much attention as that of Luana Alonso, the Paraguayan swimmer who also doubles as a social media influencer. The 20-year-old athlete found herself at the center of controversy after she was reportedly excluded from the Paraguayan team, prompting widespread speculation and media frenzy. However, Alonso has vehemently denied the allegations that she was kicked out of the Games. Luana Alonso, based in Texas and currently a political science major at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, has a significant following on social media, with over 700,000 followers on her Instagram account. Her journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 took an unexpected turn when she announced her retirement from competitive swimming after failing to advance past the heats in the women’s 100m butterfly event. The emotional announcement from poolside was soon followed by reports of her exclusion from the Paraguayan team. According to these reports, team officials were displeased with Alonso’s continuous social media activity, which included numerous posts and Instagram stories from Paris. It was alleged that her behavior was creating an \"inappropriate atmosphere\" within the team, leading to a standoff that lasted several days. Despite the tension, Alonso managed to enjoy her stay in Paris, even visiting Disneyland Paris before eventually returning to Texas. In response to the swirling rumors, Alonso took to Instagram to clarify her side of the story. “I just wanted to make it clear that I was never removed or expelled from anywhere, stop spreading false information,” she wrote in her Instagram Story. “I don’t want to give any statement but I’m not going to let lies affect me either.” Her statement was a direct rebuttal to claims made by Paraguayan media, which had published an email allegedly sent to Alonso by Larissa Schaerer, Paraguay’s chef de mission in Paris, requesting her to leave the Olympic village. The controversy also touched upon deeper issues within the team. Paraguayan newspapers reported that Alonso had expressed her preference to represent the United States rather than Paraguay, which did not sit well with team officials. Furthermore, tensions were exacerbated by the fact that Alonso qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 under the International Olympic Committee\'s \"universality\" rules, intended to ensure broader participation from countries with fewer athletes meeting standard qualifying times. Despite the universal entry, Alonso insisted she could have qualified on her own merit. The entire episode has seemingly bolstered Alonso\'s social media career. Her follower count on Instagram surged by approximately 250,000 in a single week, indicating that the controversy may have had an unintended positive effect on her influence as a social media personality. As the Paris Olympics 2024 continue, the story of Luana Alonso serves as a reminder of the intersection between sports, media, and the personal lives of athletes in the digital age.
Fortnite Player Banned For 2.9 Million Days Over Code Of Conduct Infraction
A Fortnite player has shared a screenshot showing his account banned for an astronomical 2.9 million days, igniting shock and curiosity across the gaming community. This extraordinary case of a Fortnite ban has left many players questioning the severity of the infraction that warranted such an extreme measure. Fortnite, like many online multiplayer games, enforces a strict code of conduct designed to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all players. Offenses such as cheating, teaming, exploiting glitches, and even using exploits from other games like Roblox, can result in a ban. These actions undermine the integrity of the game and its community, prompting Epic Games to take stringent measures against violators. In addition to gameplay-related bans, Fortnite also issues social bans for inappropriate behavior in voice and text chat. Typically, these bans are temporary, lasting about a week, depending on the severity of the offense. However, the recent case of a player being banned for nearly three million days has taken the concept of social bans to an unprecedented level. The player in question did not provide details on what led to this extensive ban, nor did they clarify if it was a technical glitch. Nonetheless, the Fortnite community quickly responded with a mix of humor and bewilderment. One player quipped, \"Did you declare war on a country?\" while another humorously speculated, \"What the f*** did you say? Did you channel your inner early CoD, BG, or Halo lobby voice?\" The ban\'s sheer length prompted some players to suggest passing down the account through generations to eventually regain access. Amid the jokes, some community members applauded the ban, arguing that toxic behavior deserves harsh consequences. \"Just a note to be kind: not everybody who plays the game is being competitive and uses it for a break from real life,\" one player reminded. This incident highlights the importance of adhering to Fortnite’s code of conduct. While the circumstances of this specific ban remain unclear, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of violating the game’s rules. Players are encouraged to enjoy the game respectfully to avoid ending up on the notorious Fortnite ban list. For those who find themselves banned, the Fortnite ban appeal process is available, though success rates vary based on the infraction. As this case demonstrates, maintaining a respectful and fair gaming environment benefits everyone, ensuring that Fortnite remains a fun and welcoming place for all players.
TikTok Trend ‘Just Give Me My Money’ Explained: Why Is It Going Viral?
TikTok is a platform where trends come and go rapidly, but every so often, one takes the internet by storm. Currently, a viral TikTok prank called “Just Give Me My Money” is ensnaring a growing number of unsuspecting victims, including celebrities and professional athletes. Let\'s delve into this trending phenomenon. The \"Just Give Me My Money\" trend, which is TikTok trending right now, involves a group of people standing in a circle or line. One at a time, each person chants \"just give me my money,\" often in a humorous voice with dramatic flair. The other participants respond with enthusiastic applause. However, when the person who is unaware of the prank joins in with their rendition, they are met with awkward silence. This prank capitalizes on the unexpected and often exaggerated reactions of the unsuspecting participant, leading to a mix of humor and secondhand embarrassment. The Just Give Me My Money origin is somewhat murky. Although TikTok representatives have not confirmed the exact beginnings of the trend, many attribute it to streamer Kai Cenat. Cenat, who boasts over 12 million followers on Twitch, introduced the phrase during a January session with rapper DreamDoll. Additionally, the line bears a resemblance to a melody in Kendrick Lamar’s song “Love,” and also appears in a scene from the 2022 film Paid in Full. Despite its ambiguous origins, the Just Give Me My Money original has become a widespread meme on TikTok. The Just Give Me My Money meme has captured the imaginations of TikTok users, with the hashtag #justgivememymoney featuring over 31,000 videos. Professional athletes and teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Chargers, have participated in the trend, showcasing their attempts at the prank on the field. Celebrities, too, have not been spared; actor Will Smith and former MLB player Alex Rodriguez have both been pranked, with Rodriguez’s daughters catching him off guard in a heartwarming and humorous video. The Just Give Me My Money meaning lies in the playful deception of the prank. Participants who are unaware of the joke often put on their most exaggerated performance, expecting a rousing response, only to be met with silence. This juxtaposition between expectation and reality is what makes the trend so amusing. Some reactions are genuinely funny, while others might invoke cringes of secondhand embarrassment. One particularly memorable video features a young girl who bursts into tears after her family pranks her, highlighting how the prank can sometimes escalate quickly. Yet, most victims find the humor in the situation, and the trend continues to spread joy and laughter across TikTok. In summary, the “Just Give Me My Money” trend is a perfect example of how a simple phrase can evolve into a viral sensation. With its mix of humor, unexpected reactions, and participation from high-profile individuals, it’s no wonder this prank is TikTok trending right now. So, the next time you hear someone say, “Just give me my money,” you might want to pause and consider whether you’re the next target of this viral meme.
Video Of Christian Influencer Who Prayed With Satan Worshipper Goes Viral
A Christian social media influencer recently shared a video of his encounter with a Satanist and his prayer for the man that has since gone viral. Bryce Crawford, a young evangelist with an Instagram following of around 686,000 followers, posted a video of himself praying for a satanist with whom he engages in conversation. The video has been viewed more than 138,000 times as of Aug. 5. Uploaded to Instagram last week, the video shows a self-identified satanist saying that he would have set Jesus on fire rather than crucifying Him “because he’s a witch.” Crawford, known among Christian influencers on Instagram, approaches the conversation with empathy and curiosity, asking the man about his experiences since he began worshiping Satan. “So you said ever since you started worshiping Satan your life has been better?” Crawford asked. “Yeah, it actually has been better for me,” the man, who looked sad, claimed. In response, Crawford said although worshiping Satan might lead to earthly pleasures, there is more hope in following Jesus. \"Yeah, I believe it, like in the physical. I believe that Satan would give me the things I want. You know, and there’s a lot of things that I want. And there’s been times that I’ve prayed to God and asked God for things that I wanted, but that’s not what I needed,” Crawford told the satanist. “I feel like, as a Christian, when I ask Jesus for stuff when I pray, Jesus protects me from certain stuff because He knows what would harm me and steer me away from Him. It makes total sense that by worshiping Satan your life feels better, and it feels better in the natural right at this life. But to me, I was tormented by mental struggles and mental health issues and not having hope for myself. Jesus gave me that hope.” Crawford then asked the avowed satanist if he could pray for him right there on the street, and the satanist allowed him to do so. The heartfelt moment captured the attention of many, shedding light on the contrasting beliefs and the meaning of being a satanist. In a separate Instagram video, Crawford shares how, at one point in his life, he was on the edge of taking his own life but ended up giving his life to Jesus instead. He said the Lord led him into full-time ministry, and now he considers himself to be a missionary, participating in speaking engagements, especially in the Los Angeles area. Crawford is affiliated with EquipNet, a nonprofit that aims to connect resources to well-vetted Christian leaders, organizations, and projects around the world to bring the love of Jesus, innovation, and Christian transformation to people in various formative spheres of society. He also runs a website called Jesus In The Street, where he shares his “passion for people to know who they are in Christ\" and creates T-shirts designed to be \"walking conversation starters for the Gospel.\" Additionally, Crawford helps out at a house church that meets every Sunday night and has pioneered a Wednesday night gathering aimed at helping people deepen their relationship with Christ. He also hosts a podcast where he discusses different Christian topics, further establishing his influence among Christian influencers.