Comedian and YouTuber Colleen Ballinger is finally speaking up on the allegations of grooming minors. The apology, which Ballinger admits that her PR team encouraged her not to post, was accompanied by Ballinger playing the ukulele, and completely discrediting the allegations. She referred to the mounting controversy as “the toxic gossip train.”
The allegations continue to come out after digital creator Adam McIntyre presented a series of inappropriate messages he received from Ballinger. The screenshots included the comedian asking him about his virginity, and sending him lingerie, when he was only 14 years old.
Ballinger made a name for herself with her longtime comedic character Miranda Sings, for which Ballinger dons messy clothes and smudged red lipstick to cover popular songs in a strange accent. The humorous character immediately captivated a then pre-teen audience of Gen Z, giving way to massive influence over the digital content creation space.
Ballinger continues to receive criticism following her bizarre musical apology.
Social Media Reactions
McIntyre spoke up on the apology, saying that the video reveals the comedian’s true motives.
as much as colleen discredited & made fun of me, im glad her video did ONE thing, show you all EXACTLY the type of evil woman she is, that a lot of us have experienced over the past few years behind the scenes, the mask has slipped…everyone meet the REAL colleen ballinger.
— adam mcintyre (@theadammcintyre) June 28, 2023
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Additionally, countless social media users are continuing to believe his mounting evidence. Many TikTok creators cannot fathom the absurdity of the apology video.
@liciatheog I used to be such a big fan of her… so sad to see her become this #fypシ #colleenballinger #colleengroominger #mirandasings #apologyvideo #ukulele #colleenresponse
Ballinger defended herself, even going as far as joking that she was only messaging fans like a “weird aunt” trying to “be besties with everyone.”
@aviate.with.ana I’m LOST FOR WORDS . . . #mirandasingstour #colleenballingerapology #analeet #worstapologyever #gypsybraidsatlanta #gypsybraidsatl #gypsybraids
Many are expressing that they feel the video will only worsen the negative press attention on Ballinger.
@darkskincolonizer
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On another note, one TikTok user recalled a previous ukulele song that Ballinger wrote for her ex husband. The song used the same exact chords, making her apology not even an original composition. McIntyre and the other children in the “Weenies” group chat allege that Ballinger’s divorce from Joshua David Evans was another topic that she spoke to them about inappropriately.
@thedanielrosales i guess when she’s going thru it she writes the same song #colleen #colleenballinger #adammcintyre #colleenballingerallegations
Twitter Discussions
Meanwhile, on Twitter, the discourse continues to expand. Many influencers accused of abusive behaviors have fallen into the pattern of using artistic mediums to distract from accountability, including Sienna Mae. Mae was accused of sexually assaulting her former friend Jack Wright at a party whilst he was intoxicated.
choose ur fighter Colleen ballinger ukulele apology vs Sienna mae interpretive dance apology pic.twitter.com/OTbD4Gosxz
— ???? (@cshbur) June 28, 2023
Many feel that Ballinger may have been forgiven had she actually taken the apology seriously.
https://twitter.com/JOESDOFFICIAL/status/1674167358024196097?s=20
Others are showcasing some of the most humorous comments on Ballinger’s 10-minute YouTube apology.
don’t think anything will beat this comment on colleen ballinger’s video pic.twitter.com/yXkHYFcgsP
— Molly (@mkheath14) June 28, 2023
Others recognize that Ballinger may have accidentally quoted an infamous Ariana Grande scene from Nickelodeon’s “Victorious.”
colleen ballinger after her pr team told her not to speak on the controversy: pic.twitter.com/gl45pElsOx
— markie (boh in retail) (@MOAMETALIZM) June 28, 2023
Videos of criminals singing in court continue to surface, paired with satirical captions regarding Ballinger.
colleen ballinger right now pic.twitter.com/okjzeXtJXQ
— robyn ???????????????????? ISO INDY (@paceinmypen13) June 28, 2023
Others pointed out that regardless of whether the allegations of grooming are true, the comedian’s apology video appeared to make light of the serious allegations. Grooming often leads to other forms of abuse, and survivors found the video to be insensitive.
Colleen Ballinger really thought singing “I’m not a groomer I’m just a loser” was a cute way to respond to the very SERIOUS allegations that’ve been levied against her and…it’s beyond sick. pic.twitter.com/0Push2Pjww
— Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) June 28, 2023
Amid the botched apology video, tweets including details on the allegations continue to receive viral attention. Some aim to continue to spread awareness about the serious nature of the situation.
You didn't just make the fart joke, colleen ballinger.
You asked the minors if they were virgins and what their favorite sexual positions were. pic.twitter.com/paE3K9YVqi
— ????. (@Giawagrande_) June 28, 2023
Ballinger has not addressed the backlash surrounding her apology song at this time.
