American Idol’ Alumna Inessa Lee Stars on FHM Cover Amid Online Bullying Scandal

Inessa Lee, famed for her viral Betty Boop portrayal, graces the July cover of FHM magazine, bringing renewed attention to her rise from American Idol contestant to social media star. She gained widespread admiration after her captivating “Boop-Oop-a-Doop” rendition on Idol, which instantly made her an Instagram phenomenon. Known for her spirited and nostalgic twist on the iconic character, Inessa was even hailed as a leading pin-up influencer by OK! Magazine.

According to an article on Wonderwall, shortly after her cover shoot was announced, Inessa opened up to FHM about a deeply unsettling experience she endured. According to the story, she became the target of cyberstalking by a former Broadway actress who once brought Betty Boop to life in Boop! The Musical. The abuse escalated to terrifying levels—Inessa disclosed she received threatening messages so extreme that they urged her to “hurt myself,” all triggered by jealousy over her Betty Boop Instagram videos.

Inessa elaborated that her TikTok parodies, which delighted her many followers, seemed to enrage the woman behind a defunct TikTok account with roughly 15,000 followers. “She blamed her failure on me as if I’ve stolen her spotlight on social media,” Inessa alleged, describing how harmless, creative content spiraled into harassment aimed at derailing her career. The emotional toll of such relentless taunting left her shaken, yet determined to share her side of the story.

Shortly after Boop! The Musical announced it would close, Inessa’s FHM appearance as Betty Boop reignited backlash from cyberbullies. Per her account, the former musical star enlisted friend Pierce Ream (@dangitspierce) to unleash hate comments across Inessa’s Instagram posts. “The funny thing is they are trying to prove to my subscribers that she will get a job. Go ahead, but leave my subscribers alone,” Inessa responded, defending her audience and seeking to draw a firm line in the online sand.

Refusing to be silenced, Inessa responded to the negative storm by launching a heartening online campaign—a dance flash mob dubbed “Love Gun for Peace.” She invited fans and fellow creators to dance along to her empowering new song “Love Gun,” aiming to transform the online negativity into a message of unity and kindness. The movement quickly caught fire, with influencers worldwide—including a renowned Michael Jackson impersonator from Japan, known as @michael.jackton.official with over 12 million TikTok followers—joining forces.

The initiative garnered the support of IFERS, the acclaimed Los Angeles–based nonprofit co-founded by Quincy Jones, which leverages music to promote charitable causes. Through its music-publishing branch, IFERS helped amplify the flash mob’s message, using melody and movement as tools for peace-building and anti-bullying advocacy. What began as a social media trend has rapidly evolved into a global demonstration of solidarity, reminding audiences of music’s unique power to unite.

Inessa’s story highlights a powerful message: creativity and self-expression can both inspire and provoke, but they can also be reclaimed as forces for good. By turning targeted hate into a worldwide dance movement, she sent a clear statement—that positivity, resilience, and community can outshine negativity. Her fans seem to agree—cheering her on as she continues to grow artistically, unapologetically embracing the timeless charm of her signature Betty Boop persona.

As Inessa embarks on this uplifting journey—balancing flash mob fame, anti-bullying activism, and her burgeoning music career—she proves the strength that comes from speaking out. And with more Lolita-inspired pictorials and new singles in store, her fans can expect plenty more captivating moments to celebrate.