The Real Problem With The Viral

The viral makeup "trend" is as wildly offensive as it sounds: TikTok users create iterations of real mugshot-inspired looks - including bruises, smeared mascara, bandages, messy hair, and bloody noses - before snapping a photo that's meant to mimic a police lineup. The idea originated after users started posting compilations of actual mugshots and calling out the ones they deemed attractive. Eventually, it led people to stage their own, like the one below, which features bloodshot eyes and a bruised nose. Soon, influencers like Corinna Kopf jumped in, and James Charles reposted his final look to Twitter with no caption or context.

One user replied to James Charles' tweet saying it wasn't just his image but rather "the trend itself that's triggering for many." To which Charles replied, "This dumb trend has nothing to do with domestic abuse. what about action movies? Halloween? special effects? simple bloody noses? this is nothing new."

Following the backlash, Charles and Kopf both deleted their TikTok videos and Twitter posts. Following the takedown, Charles addressed his decision with a non-apology. " Despite the fact that hundreds of other influencers and artists have done something similar, I deleted the mugshot trend because it was never my intention to trigger anyone," he wrote. "It's a waste of time trying to have an open discussion with people who hate me regardless." Other influencers like Kopf followed suit and also deleted their posts.

While some app users might write this off as a "fun challenge," bruises and blood from violence or police force aren't a cute thing to post for likes and shares - they're a reality for disenfranchised and disempowered communities.