By Colin Murphy

September 14, 2020

   Blake Gray and Bryce Hall, two influential TikTok stars, were both charged with misdemeanors on Friday, August 28th for hosting two large house parties in defiance of local health orders, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer announced. 

   Both Gray and  Hall are now facing up to a year in jail and a fine of $2,000. Combined, both influencers have a following of over 19 million. With a following of that amount, some criticize that these two should both be behaving appropriately in the time of a worldwide pandemic. Others argue that they need to set good examples for their fans, especially the young teens that look up to these content creators and want to be like them. 

“In the middle of a public health crisis, you should be modeling great behavior…rather than brazenly violating the law,” Feuer said during a press conference.

The two boys, ages 19 and 21, held a party on August 8th and the police were called regarding a complaint. Less than a week later, the police were called again due to a “shots fired” call. Officers arrived to find over several hundred people gathered into the home celebrating Hall’s 21st birthday. 

Los Angeles Police Department officers were unable to get into contact with Mr.Gray until August 14th when he said that he knew about the previous LAPD warning on August 8th according to Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, Gray was then cited. Five days later on August 19th, power was cut to the home as authorized by Los Angeles County Mayor Eric Garcetti.

 “Despite several warnings, this house has turned into a nightclub in the hills, hosting large gatherings in flagrant violation of our public health orders,” said Mayor Garcetti in a news release. “The city has now disconnected utilities at this home to stop these parties that endanger our community.”

The LAPD and Mike Feuer are hoping that by filing these charges, other influencers and those who look up to these influencers will not follow in the footsteps of Blake Gray and Bryce Hall. Despite the citations received by Gray and Hall, party-goers are not subjected to any citations or charges, but Feuer says that could change if the behavior continues.

 “Everyone’s health in our community depends on remaining vigilant,” said Feuer.

 It is still unknown whether or not any COVID-19 cases have been linked to the parties, however, Malibu has been full of packed Bonfires that are still occurring on the beaches in Malibu. These LA parties have even been attended by Malibu High School students. We do not condone this behavior, however, we just recommend that students be aware of COVID-19 and have respect for those whose health will be affected by the virus.