
Beauty influencer James Charles posted photos of himself with fake injuries and people are calling him out.
While the pictures were presented without comment on Twitter, his caption on Instagram is 'mugshot'.
The 'mugshot challenge' encourages users to post fake mugshots, often with makeup cuts and bruises, to see what it might look like if they were arrested.
The challenge started on TikTok when one user posted: "After I saw Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's mugshots I've always wanted one! But I of course don't wanna get arrested so I'm doing it myself :)"
also since everyone creating their own mugshots https://t.co/P4YG9KUL8m— slight panic! (@slight panic!) 1586028103
People were quick to point out that the 'challenge' is problematic.
Black and Brown people face disproportionate rates of incarceration, but yts are turning fake mugshot pics into a t… https://t.co/SiYmZlIMRE— 🌿Zoe Rain🌿 (@🌿Zoe Rain🌿) 1586144894
white people doing these fake mugshots like 🤨🤨 since when did mass incarnation become cute ?— fembro ambassador (@fembro ambassador) 1586109186
It's also disturbingly similar to the TikTok trend of simulating injuries from domestic violence to 'raise awareness' for the issue.
And people are calling out James Charles for risking retraumatising victims with his photos.
@jamescharles You know I had to have two nose surgeries due to domestic violence. My nose is still crooked. I am re… https://t.co/PevJ37UIIe— TWiNKS12 (@TWiNKS12) 1586136253
@millertarygirli @jamescharles Glorifying abuse. Of course he is.— Murr✨ #missingLOT🐇 (@Murr✨ #missingLOT🐇) 1586140267
In response to one fan's concerns, Charles stressed that his photos were supposed to look like a mugshot not like domestic abuse.
@brananamuffin92 @CharlotteLPovey hi babe, I’m so sorry that you went through something so awful and traumatic. it’… https://t.co/Ety0jtlS1v— James Charles (@James Charles) 1586137273
But cuts and bruises aren't a cute look, no matter what the intention.