Calls have been made for a controversial American YouTube personality to be deported after he dissed a beloved Aussie tradition.
Beauty influencer James Charles is currently in Australia to promote his makeup brand Painted and, while here, friends and fans said he must try a Bunnings snag.
“I don’t know what the f**k that is but I’m always down for trying local foods. Lets go,” he said.
He admitted he was confused and didn’t understand why sausages were being sold at a hardware store, but proceeded to order “six sausage rolls with onions”.
After seeing the snags, he said it was “just like a hotdog” and prepared it the same way, adding tomato sauce and mustard.
But it was this comparison that sparked a fair bit of fury among Australians, as many argued hot dogs were boiled and in a more doughy bread than our beloved Bunnings snags.
Former Love Island Australia star Rachael Evren commented: “That is not a hotdog.”
Charles shot back: “Yes it is.”
Other social media users expressed similar outrage.
“It’s just a hotdog? DUDE SHOW SOME RESPECT TO OUR NATIONAL DISH.” one said.
Another added: “‘It’s ‘just a hotdog’ JAMES?”
“Not a hotdog mate,” another social media user said.
“Me screaming in my living room… ‘IT’S NOT A HOTDOG’,” another said.
One said: “The difference between a hotdog and a snag is the snag is bbqd a hotdog is boiled lol.”
Others took it a step further and said, even though Charles said it was “pretty good”, joking the mega US influencer needed to be deported for the comment.
“Your visa needs to be revoked,” one teased.
Another added: “I love that Bunnings is a solid 10/10. You have passed the Australian citizenship test!”
“He didn’t pass the Aussie test, sorry mate,” one said.
Another said: “No no nooooooooo go back to America plssss.”
“I wish the bread was thicker. Like I need more bread to sausage sizzle ratio. It’s really good and it’s for charity. Sign me up,” he said.
“Honestly sausage sizzle solid 10/10 for me.”
Bunnings even weighed in on the video.
A spokesperson told news.com.au: “We love seeing people embrace the iconic sausage sizzle and make it part of their weekend ritual. The humble snag isn’t just a tasty bite – it’s a tradition that helps local communities thrive.
“Over the past year alone, more than 36,000 sausage sizzles have fired up at Bunnings, contributing to $67 million raised towards local community groups across Australia and New Zealand.”
Charles has previously faced more than 15 allegations of sexual misconduct from boys and men dating back to 2019.
The influencer was accused of manipulating men into taking part in sexual scenarios, as well as sending sexual messages to underage teen boys, in 2021.
In an April 1 YouTube video, which Charles titled “Holding myself accountable”, he addressed two of the allegations made by 16-year-old boys.
Charles said both boys had lied about their ages and his interactions with them “should never have happened”.
Charles’ claim that he ceased contact once he discovered they were underage has been disputed by one of the 16-year-olds, who alleged to Insider his age had been clearly displayed on his profile on TikTok which was where they had exchanged messages.
He also proved quite controversial after documenting the “challenges” of being pregnant for a day. The video followed Charles through a day of tasks and challenges, including a contraction simulator, while he wore a fake pregnant belly.
To promote the video he also shared a photo on his Instagram account that showed him cradling a “bump” in an elaborate set up surrounded by flowers.
But despite the disclaimer on video — where the 26-year-old said the clip was in no way intended to make light of pregnancy — he quickly attracted criticism for the stunt, with some women branding it “gross, disrespectful and insensitive”.
