YouTube star and comedian Colleen Ballinger spoke up on the numerous allegations of child grooming and manipulation that former fans have levied against her earlier this week. Ballinger essentially stated that the allegations were “toxic gossip” via a song she accompanied on the ukulele. Following the attempted apology heard around the world, Ballinger’s ex-husband Joshua David Evans is speaking out. Evans was in a relationship with Ballinger from 2009 to 2016, and the pair frequently made humorous video content together.
In a series of tweets, Evans stated his support for the people coming forward with allegations of misconduct against his ex-wife. Since their divorce, Evans has documented his journey with sobriety and stepped off of YouTube. He is also remarried to Pamela Rose Rodriguez-Evans.
Notably, digital creator Adam McIntyre has led the charge in compiling the mounting evidence of inappropriate messages Ballinger sent to a group chat of minors, called “Weenies.” McIntyre alleges that the comedian sent him lingerie and asked him inappropriate questions about his sexuality when he was a minor. Evans also reported feeling gaslit in his personal life with Ballinger.
This behavior was my reality anytime I spoke up & disagreed with her actions & rhetoric during 2009-2016. I was gaslit too. I was made to feel like I was always the problem. Any pain I felt was an inconvenience and was belittled.
Every ounce of what you’re feeling, I understand.
— Joshua David Evans???? (@JoshuaDtown) June 28, 2023
Evans went on to say that he would not be making a return to YouTube, and that he only chose to speak up in support of the many victims coming forward. He later reposted a quote that insinuated a message to Ballinger that there was still time to “do the right thing.”
I have no desire to use this as a catalyst for a YouTube comeback. It’s not a safe place for me. I’m past that. My voice is only here to help validate those that are hurting, nothing more. I have no need to make any money off of this. That is gross & not in my heart, whatsoever.
— Joshua David Evans???? (@JoshuaDtown) June 28, 2023
— Joshua David Evans???? (@JoshuaDtown) June 29, 2023
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Other Reactions To Ballinger’s Ukulele Song
Adam McIntyre posted a video with his own ukulele in response to Ballinger’s video. Ballinger’s video has been widely criticized, with many claiming that it is a form of manipulation and deflects from the serious nature of the allegations presented against her. McIntyre continues to stand by his claims.
Across social media, celebrities and digital creators continue to parody Ballinger’s strange botched apology via ukulele song. Notably, comedian Howie Mandel hopped on “the toxic gossip train.”
@officialhowiemandel
Another creator named Jackie J. (@jcubedhax) posted a parody video compiling some of the wildest excuses that influencers have provided in their public apologies over the years.
@jcubedhax this whole video had my jaw on the floor #apology
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Another former fan who came forward with allegations posted a video reiterating her claims. Becky (@noitsbecks) explained why she felt violated. She elaborated on the incidents in a Twitter thread.
@noitsbecks @Colleen Ballinger your song sucks. glad to know everything is a big joke to you. #mirandasings
Like Adam, Becky was a fan of Ballinger’s since she was a young pre-teen.
part of the “manipulation hate train” or whatever is the biggest slap in the face. i posted what i did on the internet in hopes you would make your shows safer for kids. instead you went and made a mockery of everything. you think all these “haters” or whatever are
— becky (@noitsbecks) June 29, 2023
Elsewhere, onlookers are posting their blind reactions to the ukulele video, which currently sits at over four million views.
@maybemyahadele this has to be one of the most unserious things ive ever seen on the internet ????♀️ #fy #fyp #colleenballinger #colleenballingerallegations #colleenballingercontroversy #colleenballingerapology #colleenballingersong #mirandasings
Regardless of whether they are directly involved in the situation or not, the vast majority of social media users posting on the situation have come to the same consensus–that Ballinger needs to seriously acknowledge the allegations, whether they be true or not. The comedian is yet to elaborate on the allegations at this time.
