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YouTube Influencer Couple Resumes Posting Videos After 'Rehoming' Autistic Son
James Stauffer uploaded a new video to his car detailing-focused channel, although Myka's channel has remained dark.
A few weeks after a YouTube influencer couple announced they were "rehoming" their adopted son and sparked widespread outrage, one of the parents has resumed posting monetized videos to his YouTube channel.
James and Myka Stauffer revealed in a public YouTube video in late May that they had placed their adopted son, Huxley, with another family — citing behavioral issues with the boy, who has autism. The video has since been made private after it prompted widespread condemnation.
Huxley — who the couple adopted from China — was a prominent feature on their YouTube channel for years, with Myka positioning herself as an international adoption advocate, which furthered the backlash against the couple for "rehoming" the young boy.
The announcement also prompted the Delaware County Sheriff's Department to launch an investigation into Huxley's well-being. The department later said they "are confident that the appropriate process is occurring" and the boy "is not missing," according to BuzzFeed.
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Oxygen.com on the current status of the investigation.
Less than a month after the announcement, James Stauffer has uploaded a new monetized video to his car-detailing focused YouTube channel, BuzzFeed News reported. Myka Stauffer's personal channel and The Stauffer Life family account (which is apparently defunct) have remained dark.
"The video is monetized as usual, with ads, and a long list of Amazon affiliate links for all the products used," BuzzFeed's Stephanie McNeal wrote.
James' channel Stauffer Garage is the most outwardly successful YouTube outlet for the family with nearly 1 million subscribers — compared to Myka’s 696,000 subscribers, BuzzFeed News noted.
Myka, who has four other children, defended their decision in the video announcement, saying, “[Huxley is] thriving, he’s doing really well, and his new mommy has medical, professional training."
They have also claimed professionals told them this was the right decision.
"Since his adoption, they consulted with multiple professionals in the healthcare and educational arenas in order to provide Huxley with the best possible treatment and care. Over time, the team of medical professionals advised our clients it might be best for Huxley to be placed with another family. This is devastating news for any parent," attorneys for the couple previously told BuzzFeed News.
Following the announcement, a number of companies and brands severed ties with Myka, like Playtex Baby, Danimals, Fabletics, and Chili's, according to Today.com.
"Our last post with her was back in February. We are not partnering with her moving forward," Playtex Baby said in a comment on Instagram in response to criticism of a previous partnership.
