Slate Daily Feed ICYMI | The Two Internet Villains Staging a Comeback
Nov 19, 2025
Rebecca Jennings, a features writer at New York Magazine specializing in internet culture, joins to dissect the comebacks of infamous figures Ned Fulmer and Colleen Ballinger. They explore why Fulmer, ousted from the Try Guys for an affair, struggles to regain fan approval despite attempts like his new podcast. Jennings critiques Ballinger's elusive apologies, including her infamous ukulele video amid serious allegations. The duo also debates the effectiveness of influencer apologies and the psychological pull of fame that drives these internet villains to persistently seek redemption.
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What Makes An Internet Villain
- Internet villains are distinct because public consensus largely condemns their actions while a minority defends them.
- Rebecca Jennings says cheating or inappropriate interactions with minors make it hard for the internet to sympathize with creators.
Ned's Awkward Reunion With Ariel
- Ned Fulmer returned with a podcast episode featuring his wife Ariel that many viewers found uncomfortable to watch.
- The episode left audiences doubting his remorse and showed Ariel clearly unhappy on camera.
Views Without Approval
- Ned's solo videos drew millions of views but very low like ratios, signaling interest without approval.
- Rebecca Jennings argues his content looks like imitation and lacks the charisma that originally mattered.
