19-Year-Old Commentator Brilyn Hollyhand Faces Backlash Over Campus Tour, Private Jet Video
Hollyhand announced a “10-stop campus tour” and described it as “TPUSA-sponsored,” but Turning Point Action Chief Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer disputed that description.
“No he’s not. TPUSA has thousands of chapters. He just set up to speak to 8 or so local ones and is calling it a tour. Team is in midst of bigger issues right now and although it has come off as distasteful, usually these things work themselves out,” Bowyer wrote on X when asked if TPUSA would “disavow” Hollyhand.
Other commentators also weighed in.
“FYI: Turning Point USA is absolutely NOT sponsoring campus tours for young men flying around on private planes—despite claims otherwise. This is such an unnecessary distraction from the ACTUAL campus tour, which honors Charlie. Ignore the grifters. Here’s the real schedule,” commentator Nick Sortor said.
“They’re trying to hijack the movement for their own gain. It’s sickening. I’ll do everything in my power to expose it,” Sortor added.
Bowyer also criticized Hollyhand’s past ties to RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, writing, “Brilyn got paid by Ronna McDaniel when she got re-elected and really let us all down.”
Hollyhand denied the accusation, saying, “I never got a dime.” Bowyer accused him of lying and posted a letter he claimed Hollyhand refused to sign.
“You chose to take that gig and defend the RNC in a bunch of baloney. You let us all down. I know the names of the ones who did the right thing and they’re legit. You just wanted the spotlight that Ronna gave you…,” Bowyer wrote.
Bowyer also said he has seen many “just go for clout.”
“Someone asked me why I don’t help him, I responded because he helped Ronna. Do you want me to lie? He’s a big boy, he can navigate his own brand and working to spread truth. I wish him the best but I’ve seen many just go for the clout chasing. Hope that isn’t the goal,” Bowyer wrote on X.
The backlash grew after Hollyhand posted a video of himself in a private jet, wearing a Polo shirt and a luxury watch. The clip drew tens of millions of views and widespread criticism.
“I’m sure Brilyn is a nice kid but this was a bad look and someone should have stopped him from uploading this video,” radio host Kenny Webster wrote.
“Cannot even begin to describe how repulsed I am by this display,” Federalist CEO Sean Davis said.
“What in the astroturf is this?” YouTuber Liberal Hivemind asked.
Hollyhand defended himself, calling critics “keyboard warriors” and claiming the jet belonged to a “hometown friend.” He added that he “couldn’t afford it.” The response prompted further criticism.
“Brilyn on the other hand proceeded to twist the truth in his public apology for the tone-deaf private jet video. Of course he deserves grace, but fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me… It’s a bit of a let down, which is all Tyler originally said,” social media strategist Ariadna Jacob wrote on X.
Some commentators defended Hollyhand, including Laura Loomer.
“Don’t be so jealous of him because he comes from money and you don’t. You all know you’re only hating on this young man because he comes from money. Leave him alone,” she wrote.
The Dallas Express reached out to Hollyhand and Turning Point USA for comment but received no response.