Jools Lebron, Social Media Star Behind 'Very Demure' Trend, Says Sudden Fame Led to ‘Horrible’ Substance Abuse Struggles

Ashley VegaTue, March 17, 2026 at 8:18 PM UTC

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Jools Lebron at the 2025 TikTok Awards at Hollywood PalladiumCredit: Phillip Faraone/Getty -

Jools Lebron says her rapid rise to fame led her into substance abuse struggles

The influencer described cycles of partying, burnout and unfinished creative plans

She now says she is focused on sobriety and rebuilding both her life and career

Jools Lebron became a household name online after her signature phrase “very demure, very mindful” took off across social media — but she says the attention that followed came with a painful cost.

In a series of candid TikTok videos shared in March, the 32-year-old influencer opened up about how sudden fame changed her life in ways she never expected. Reflecting on the whirlwind period that followed her breakout moment in 2024, Lebron said the opportunities and lifestyle that came with success eventually led her down a difficult path.

“Going viral let me fall down a slope of insobriety that ruined my life,” she admitted in one video.

Lebron explained that after her catchphrase caught on with celebrities and entertainment insiders, she found herself immersed in an environment filled with high-profile events, industry parties and new connections. While the experience brought financial stability and personal milestones — including being able to afford gender-affirming care and move into a new apartment — she said it also reignited struggles with alcohol and other substances.

“It was the highlight of my life and everyone loved it,” she said. “It also was the worst time of my life ever.”

As her schedule filled with appearances and brand opportunities, Lebron said she began falling into cycles that made it difficult to follow through on creative plans. She described wanting to build long-form content and streaming projects, only to lose momentum during periods of heavy partying and exhaustion.

“Success does not wait for your mood,” she said bluntly.

In another video filmed inside her apartment, Lebron showed viewers rooms filled with unopened gifts and equipment she had purchased during the height of her fame. She referred to one cluttered space as her streaming studio — “where dreams die” — acknowledging how addiction had impacted both her environment and her ambitions.

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The influencer also spoke about the social pressures she felt while navigating the entertainment world for the first time. “Unfortunately I succumbed to peer pressure,” she said, noting that she had not previously considered herself someone who drank heavily.

Lebron shared that substance use eventually affected multiple areas of her life, from strained professional relationships to health concerns and impulsive spending habits. Looking back, she said this was the first time she had faced addiction while also having the financial means and public visibility that intensified the experience.

Now, she says she is focused on moving forward. “I’m focused on getting my life together,” Lebron told followers, adding that sharing her story publicly is part of holding herself accountable.

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She also expressed a desire to reconnect with healthier routines from earlier in her life, including returning to the gym as a way to process emotions and regain stability. “You wake up and you’re just so tired of being tired,” she said emotionally. “You are sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Despite the challenges she has described, Lebron remains hopeful about rebuilding her career and using her platform to support others facing similar struggles.

“I owe a lot of people apologies,” she said. “I owe myself an apology.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”