Partying in a Pandemic

Maya Henry discusses influencers' decisions to host large parties - mostly without masks and social distancing measures. The gatherings have been condemned on social media, including by other celebrities, and some have resulted in punishments. While the party-goers insist that such meetings are part of their job, others fear they are setting a dangerous example to their young followers. Learn more about the current coronavirus restrictions in the USA, and specifically California.

The past five months have been a seemingly never-ending rollercoaster of fear, contradictory medical reports, and new vaccine potentials announced every week. America had 5,715,567 cases and 176,617 coronavirus-related deaths of August 25th, and is the country currently leading the world in both COVID-19 cases and deaths. The notion of life returning to “normal” is nowhere near reality. As of early August, 34 states require masks to be worn in enclosed spaces, and, while official quarantine orders are gradually being stripped away, stay at home orders are still strongly advised.

In California, the worst affected state that hosts more than 600,000 cases, these same precautions apply. Despite the clear dangers of ignoring social distancing, the state has seen a recent uptick in influencers throwing caution to the wind. These “influencers” include everyone from YouTube personalities like James Charles and Nikita Dragun to TikTok stars such as Bryce Hall and Noah Beck, and even former reality TV icon Mackenzie Zeigler.

Two of the largest parties took place in the Los Angeles Hollywood Hills in late July and early August. The first to be widely posted was a surprise birthday bash for TikToker and YouTuber Larri Merritt that took place at the Hype House, a content creation ome in LA, on July 22nd. The Hollywood Fix reported 67 people were inside, but hundreds could be seen gathering around the house angling to get in. Of the 67 party-goers, including the Hype House members as well as James Charles, Emma Chamberlain, and Tana Mongeau, only one was wearing a mask: Larri’s grandmother.

The second party took place at a rental home in Encino, California, on August 14th, to celebrate TikToker Bryce Hall’s 21st birthday. From videos taken and posted from the party, it is estimated that more than 100 people were inside; the majority maskless and sharing drinks. While many influencers who had previously attended Larri’s party decided to bow out of this one, many notable faces were still spotted, including Avani Gregg, the Sway Boys, and Tayler Holder.

Not only is attending such parties dangerous and a serious health risk, but it also promotes reckless behavior to countless impressionable youth. These influencers have mammoth followings in the hundreds of thousands, and oftentimes the millions. For such practices to be posted by these individuals arguably normalises partying during a pandemic to their legions of fans, and this can lead to dangerous repercussions. After all, if these celebrities can do it, why can’t they?

However, regarding consequences it’s important to note that these party goers haven’t escaped completely unscathed. Tyler Oakley, who boasts more than seven million Instagram followers, called out influencers via Twitter: "If your favorite influencers are at huge house parties during a pandemic (& are dumb enough to post it on social media)…they are bad influences. Unfollow them.” Oakley continued to say, “please consider social distancing, mask wearing & using your huge platforms to encourage responsibility during a worldwide pandemic.”

On a more extreme scale, on August 14th, following an order that made large gatherings with different households punishable by fines, jail time, and utility cut off, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti stuck to his word. Authorities turned off the water and power to the house where Hall's birthday rager occured. In a press statement, Garcetti announced that, “despite several warnings, this house has turned into a nightclub in the hills, hosting large gatherings in flagrant violation of our public health orders. The City has now disconnected utilities at this home to stop these parties that endanger our community.”

The home residents seemed unbothered, and relocated the next day.

It is not uncommon to be bored during quarantine. Staying home by yourself is in no way ideal, especially for teens and young adults whose social and emotional skills are still developing. However, in times as dangerous and horrific as 2020, everyone must do their part to stay home to keep vulnerable communities safe; nobody is immune to COVID-19, and nobody is immune to being held accountable. As Mayor Garcetti has emphasized, this does not change based on followers.