Yung Filly Faces Charges: Why Major Brands Are Cutting Ties

Yung Filly—real name Andrés Felipe Valencia Barrientos—was once a rising star in the entertainment industry, known for his charming personality, viral YouTube videos, and successful ventures in both music and television. However, following his recent arrest and criminal charges in Australia, the entertainer’s once-bright career has taken a sharp downward turn. As he faces four charges of sexual assault, including rape and assault causing bodily harm, many brands and collaborators have swiftly severed ties with the social media star.

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Legal Troubles and The Fallout

Yung Filly was arrested after an alleged incident in a Perth hotel during a tour stop, where he performed at a nightclub. The charges include multiple counts of sexual penetration without consent, three counts of assault causing bodily harm, and an additional count for impeding a victim’s breathing by applying pressure to the neck. The legal case, which has captured widespread media attention, marks a major setback for Yung Filly, whose charming public persona as a YouTuber and musician is now overshadowed by these serious allegations​.

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The immediate response from brands and entertainment companies has been decisive, with numerous partners opting to distance themselves from Yung Filly, fearing reputational damage. This is not just a legal matter anymore—it's become a public relations crisis, and the fallout has been swift.

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Brands and Partners Cutting Ties

Several prominent brands, each with significant investments in Yung Filly, have cut ties with him or placed their collaborations on hold as they assess the unfolding situation.

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1. Warner Records

Yung Filly’s budding music career has suffered a significant blow as Warner Records, the label he signed with in 2021, announced that it would be postponing all future music releases. This includes planned singles and any ongoing promotional activities. Warner had previously celebrated his rising success, especially with his collaboration "Grey" featuring Aitch, which had over 63 million streams on Spotify. But with the charges looming, Warner Records has now distanced itself, effectively freezing Yung Filly’s trajectory in the music industry​.

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2. Heinz

One of the first brands to take action was Heinz, which had partnered with Yung Filly for a number of lighthearted, humorous ads featuring their products. Known for their strong presence in British homes, Heinz promptly removed all online content featuring the entertainer, making it clear they no longer wished to be associated with him. The decision reflects how quickly brands can pivot away from influencers when their reputation is at risk.

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3. ASOS

ASOS, the British online fashion retailer, also acted quickly, removing all promotional material involving Yung Filly from its platforms. He had worked with the brand as part of influencer collaborations that resonated with their youthful, style-conscious audience. Given the charges against him, ASOS made the decision to immediately disassociate their brand from Yung Filly to avoid any potential backlash from consumers​.

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4. Football Association (FA)

One of the largest blows came from the Football Association (FA), which had enlisted Yung Filly for a popular cooking show that was set to feature famous footballers like Bukayo Saka. The project was designed to capitalize on Yung Filly's relatable, comedic charm while tapping into the popularity of football stars. However, the FA canceled the show entirely, cutting off a significant opportunity for the entertainer at a time when he was gaining traction in the mainstream media​.

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5. German Doner Kebab

Another notable partner, German Doner Kebab, also swiftly removed all marketing materials featuring Yung Filly. He had previously appeared in campaigns for the fast-food chain, which aimed to appeal to a younger audience through influencer collaborations. The brand has distanced itself from the entertainer, removing all ads and promotional content across its platforms​.

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6. Gymshark

Yung Filly was a popular host for Gymshark’s YouTube dating show, where his upbeat and fun personality connected well with the brand’s fitness-driven audience. However, in light of the charges, Gymshark has halted all future involvement with the YouTuber, pulling content from its channels and shelving any upcoming projects​.

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Career in Crisis: TV and Music Projects on Hold

While Yung Filly’s brand partnerships were an important part of his career, his role in television and music has also been significantly affected. His work as a host for BBC Three and other UK-based TV shows, like Yung Filly’s Celeb Lock-in and Hot Property, have been put on hold as broadcasters reassess their association with the embattled entertainer. Similarly, his cameo appearances on shows like Channel 4's The Great Celebrity Bake Off have left his public image in further disarray.

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With Warner Records pausing all future releases, including highly anticipated tracks following his successful collaboration with Aitch, his music career is also at a standstill. What was once a rapidly accelerating career in both music and entertainment has now entered a period of uncertainty.

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Lessons in the Age of Influencer Marketing

This unfolding scandal highlights the risks brands face when partnering with public figures, especially in the world of influencer-driven marketing. Yung Filly’s rapid rise as a social media personality was supported by brands that saw his relatability and appeal to younger audiences. However, when controversy strikes, these relationships can unravel just as quickly. Brands are hyper-aware of the reputational risks tied to high-profile influencers, especially in today’s digital landscape, where public perception can shift rapidly.

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For Yung Filly, the future of his career remains uncertain. With legal proceedings still underway, and major brands cutting ties left and right, rebuilding his public image will be a challenge that could take years to overcome—if he manages to do so at all. As of now, the once-prominent entertainer’s career is in freefall, and it remains to be seen whether he can salvage his professional life or if these charges will mark the end of his time in the spotlight.

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