A YouTube channel associated with Ian Black, a 55-year-old man recently arrested for the alleged molestation of a minor, continues to operate without any intervention from the platform. Black, who runs the highly popular channel network TweenWorld, was accused of inappropriate behavior towards a young girl featured in his videos.
According to a report by journalist Sam Rivera from BuzzFeed News, YouTube is struggling to ensure the safety of its young creators and has not taken sufficient action even after serious allegations surfaced against one of its prominent figures. Black was taken into custody on August 16 in a case involving claims from a minor who alleged he verbally abused her, coerced her to undress, and made inappropriate physical contact.
Despite these grave charges, Black’s channels—home to millions of followers and billions of views—remain active, leaving many of the young female stars in an unsettling situation. The network, which includes popular channels like TweenQueens and TweenGems, features girls aged 8 to 18 in seemingly innocent videos. However, some observers, including comedian Chris Owen, have raised concerns about the potential for exploitation, given the content often showcases the girls in swimwear or during sleepovers.
As more details emerge, questions are being raised about the treatment of these young creators both on set and online. Rivera’s investigation revealed that while no former performers reported direct abuse, many expressed discomfort with Black’s behavior. They recounted instances where he insisted on altering their swimwear or requested “sizing” photos. Some girls also noted his tendency to make jokes about “wardrobe malfunctions” and to pressure them to appear younger.
Several young actresses voiced concerns about YouTube’s oversight, stating, “I told my mom two years ago that if this were a legitimate entertainment business, I would report him immediately. But there’s no one to turn to for help.” Compensation was inconsistent, with payment amounts varying widely month-to-month. Black reportedly encouraged some performers to spend their earnings on equipment, promising greater exposure in return.
One former performer shared, “Initially, it didn’t feel strange, but over time, I began to sense something was off. The themes, the outfits, and the camera angles started to feel inappropriate, especially knowing some of the girls were just 9 years old.”
Since Black’s arrest, no new videos have appeared on the channels, and YouTube has demonetized them. However, the channels remain active, and no communication has been initiated with the young stars. In a brief statement to BuzzFeed, YouTube emphasized its commitment to safety, saying, “We collaborate closely with leading child safety organizations to protect young people. When serious allegations arise, we take appropriate action, which can include demonetization or channel termination after an investigation.”
The situation surrounding Black and his channels raises alarming concerns about YouTube’s oversight and its responsibility to safeguard young creators. Many of the child actors have been left without support, feeling powerless due to the platform’s inadequate policies.
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In conclusion, the ongoing issues surrounding Black’s channels and YouTube’s response highlight the urgent need for better protections for young creators on the platform.
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