In the social media world, success can be both a blessing and a curse. Few display this better than Isabella Avila, popularly known as OnlyJayus. Once celebrated for her “life hacks” and viral TikTok content, OnlyJayus’s career took a nosedive due to allegations of racism, plagiarism, and insincerity.
Who Is OnlyJayus?
OnlyJayus rose to fame on TikTok in 2018, quickly gaining millions of followers with engaging content centered around life hacks and fun facts. Her ability to present complex topics in a relatable way helped her amass a loyal fanbase. By 2019, her following grew exponentially, and she expanded her presence to YouTube, where she gained acclaim for thought-provoking video essays on topics like the meaning of life and hypnosis.
Her success attracted high-profile collaborations, including a podcast Know It All with Netflix and a sponsorship deal with Tinder. With over 18 million TikTok followers at her peak, OnlyJayus seemed unstoppable—until the controversies began.
In February 2021, OnlyJayus faced backlash when old messages resurfaced showing her using racial slurs and offensive language. While the messages dated back to 2016, their content was deeply disturbing and caused significant outrage.
OnlyJayus issued an apology video, but it was widely criticized as insincere. Instead of addressing the harm caused, many viewers perceived her tears as performative and self-serving. Furthermore, promises made during her apology—such as collaborating with Black creators to raise awareness about racism—went unfulfilled, further damaging her credibility.
In addition to racism and plagiarism allegations, OnlyJayus faced backlash for making an insensitive joke about service dogs. In a video, she joked about following service dogs to “get a free wallet.” While some saw it as humor, others, particularly within disabled communities, criticized her for being tone-deaf and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Do you think OnlyJayus can redeem herself? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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