American TikTok stars Blake Gray and Bryce Hall have been charged with misdemeanors on Friday by Los Angeles authorities for hosting two large house parties in defiance of local health orders. Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer made the announcement against the two for holding the wild parties amid the coronavirus pandemic crisis.
According to Feuer, both of them could face up to a year in jail and a payment of $2,000 in fine. Addressing media persons during a press conference, Feuer said, "If you have a combined 19 million followers on TikTok in the middle of a public health crisis, you should be modeling great behavior...rather than brazenly violating the law,".
According to prosecutors, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a warning to Gray and Hall for hosting a party on August 8. LAPD officials paid a visit to their place after a complaint call was made in regard to the party. Feuer added that the police were back at the house less than a week later and were responding this time to a "shots fired" call.
Although no evidence of a gun was found, officials did find hundreds of people gathered and celebrating Hall's 21st birthday, Feuer said. Gray had acknowledged the warning issued by the LAPD previously on August 8 when the police spoke to him on August 14. Feuer added saying Gray was given a final warning after being cited.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered for power to be cut to the home in Hollywood Hills on August 19. In a press release, Garcetti said, "Despite several warnings, this house has turned into a nightclub in the hills, hosting large gatherings in flagrant violation of our public health orders,". He added, "The City has now disconnected utilities at this home to stop these parties that endanger our community."
With criminal charges filed against Blake Gray and Bryce Hall, Feuer has stated that he hopes others will be more cautious from hosting such large gatherings. He said, "Everyone's health in our community depends on remaining vigilant,". As of now, it is unclear whether any COVID-19 cases were linked to the parties. Although no citations or charges have been issued to the party-goes, that rule could change in case the behavior continues, Feuer added.