Why Influencers Are Calling Out Amanda Ensing

Gianluca Russo
·4 min read
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If you've spent some time on the internet lately, you would have noticed YouTuber Amanda Ensing is currently feuding with a bunch of beauty influencers – including Jackie Aina, Manny MUA, and many more.

After pro-Trump forces stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, Amanda Ensing, known for lifestyle and beauty videos and the occasional conservative-leaning political commentary, took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the moment. Ensing addressed the event amply, but there was one tweet, in particular, that was quickly met with backlash from fellow influencers.

"The left: I hate it here. America is embarrassing. Only we can riot & loot. Defund the police. Just do what the government tells you & don’t ask questions," she wrote. "The right: Let's fight for freedom. We love the USA. Defend the Constitution. We support our Military & Law enforcement Flag of the United States."

Aina was among those who quickly quote tweeted Ensing. "Defund Amanda Ensing," she wrote, later issuing a follow-up tweet that read "*esther," playing off Ensing's recent video in which she compared herself to the Bible account of Esther. The feud quickly escalated from there. Ensing responded, writing, "If you're going to call me Esther, capitalize the E. Don't you have a Bible verse in your YouTube description bar?" to which Aina replied with an extensive thread.

In the three-tweet thread, Aina referenced an alleged former incident with Ensing on a brand trip, writing: "I specifically remember you to my face telling me on a brand trip how you weren't making money anymore because you were too white for brands and 'girls like me' were getting all the deals. your rebrand makes sense now."

Aina continued bringing up the point that Black women are significantly paid less than white women, not only in the influencer world but also across industries. "This was yeeears ago and I forgot she even said that until recently," Aina wrote. "I don't always feel the need to air out every encounter I have with influencers because guess what??? we ALL work with people we don't like. if I blasted everyone all the time I would be the messy one."

Before resuming her pro-MAGA propaganda, Ensing directed one last tweet to Aina: "No one is hated more than the one who tells the truth. Question, did you ever end up paying your taxes?" it read.

Even if she wanted the conversation to be over, others quickly chimed in. Makeup artist Shayla also replied to one of Ensing's protest-related tweets, writing, "People showing up at the capitol doesn't mean he won, just like you curling your hair and tanning your skin doesn't mean you’re 'MiXeD.'" Amanda responded by claiming that Shayla was being "racist" towards her, calling the Left hypocritical for being the "anti-racist party." (Since, various tweets have been shared accusing Amanda of brown/blackfishing. Ensing claimed to be "mixed" in a recent video.)

Gabriel Zamora also shared his two cents on his Twitter, quote-tweeting Ensing and writing, "this is entertainment to you? I’m embarrassed for you." An argument then ensued between the two, to which Ensing brought up Zamora's connections to Jeffree Star, who's been accused of racism in the past. "just cus jeffree is trending....why are we bringing him up when speaking on the current state of our country?!!?!?" Zamora wrote. "I shouldn't argue with someone who cites Facebook and TikTok when speaking on politics so i'll reiterate: I'm embarrassed for you."

Zamora told Teen Vogue over Instagram messages that he's "disappointed" by Ensing's statements and spread of misinformation. "I just can’t believe that she claims to be mixed but chooses to stand by a party that has time and time again perpetuated the normalization of white supremacy and continues to oppress every race other than white."

Alissa Ashley chimed into the conversation as well on Twitter replying to Ensing directly and interacting with other influencers.

In a world where drama usually prevails, it's rare to see the beauty community finding common ground. Earlier this week, Ensing also found herself in drama with Manny MUA — surprise, surprise — as he jokingly made fun of her "Esther" Bible comparison. Ensing responded by saying Manny was attacking Godand religion, and that Christians like her are constantly disrespected in this way.

This story was originally published on Teen Vogue. All parties mentioned were contacted for additional comment.

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Originally Appeared on Allure