If you’ve spent any time in the chaotic world of YouTube family vlogging, you know the name CJ So Cool. But lately, the spotlight has shifted toward Leon, a figure whose presence in the "So Cool" family dynamic has been a source of both entertainment and genuine concern for fans. Honestly, if you’re looking for a simple family story, this isn't it. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s very public.
Leon isn't CJ’s biological son, but for years, he was a staple of the channel. He is the son of Royalty Johnson, CJ’s long-time partner. Because they were a "family unit" on camera, Leon grew up in front of millions of subscribers. We saw the pranks, the massive birthday hauls, and the typical teen drama. But things changed.
What’s the Deal With Leon and CJ So Cool?
People are constantly asking: "Where is Leon?" or "Are they still beefing?" To understand the current situation, you have to look at the fallout between CJ and Royalty. When the couple hit a rough patch (which, let’s be real, felt like a never-ending saga), the kids were caught in the middle. Leon, being older, didn't just sit back and play the "happy family" role for the cameras anymore.
By early 2025, things got pretty dark on social media. CJ posted a video titled "LEON FINALLY TEXT ME, I HAVE BAD NEWS," where he basically claimed that Leon wanted nothing to do with him. In fact, in one of the more heartbreaking clips for long-time fans, Leon reportedly told CJ to "leave him alone and adopt someone else." That’s a heavy thing for a kid who was raised by a stepfather for years to say.
The Breakdown of the Relationship
It wasn't just one fight. It was a series of public roasts and "truth" videos.
- The Skater Boy Era: CJ once found Leon’s old YouTube videos from his "skater boy" phase and spent a whole video roasting him. While CJ called it "love," fans felt it was a bit petty given the tension.
- The Mother’s Side: Leon has mostly stayed with Royalty. In her vlogs, he seems more relaxed, but he’s also much more vocal about his boundaries.
- The Money Factor: There have been countless rumors about who gets paid for what. When you’re a kid on a multi-million dollar channel, the line between "family time" and "work" gets blurry.
Why Leon’s Absence Matters to Fans
Leon was the relatable one. While the younger kids like Karnation and the twins (Cordayah and Cordero Jr.) are still very much in the "kid" phase, Leon grew up. He represents the first generation of "YouTube kids" who are now old enough to speak back.
His decision to distance himself from the CJ So Cool brand is a huge talking point in the community. It raises a lot of questions about the ethics of family vlogging. When a child decides they don't want to be a character in a "show" anymore, what happens to their relationship with the "director"—who also happens to be their dad or stepdad?
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Is It a Skit or Real Life?
That's the million-dollar question with the So Cool family. They are known for high-octane drama and clickbait titles. Some fans think the Leon vs. CJ beef is just another way to drive views during a slow month. However, Leon’s body language in recent appearances suggests otherwise. He looks done. Honestly, you can only fake that level of "I don't want to be here" for so long.
The Future for Leon
Leon is carving out his own path now. Whether he stays in the influencer lane or goes completely dark remains to be seen. He has a following of his own, mostly people who grew up watching him and want to see him succeed outside of CJ’s shadow.
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The most recent updates from late 2025 and early 2026 show a young man who is trying to find his own identity. He's been seen in Royalty’s vlogs looking a lot more comfortable than he ever did in those high-stress prank videos.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you’re following the Leon and CJ So Cool drama, here’s the reality of the situation:
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- Respect the Boundaries: Leon has made it clear he wants space from the "So Cool" brand.
- Look Past the Clickbait: Don’t believe every "Emergency" or "Bad News" title CJ posts. Usually, it's a 40-minute vlog with 30 seconds of actual info.
- Support Individual Growth: If you like Leon, follow his journey where he feels safe and happy, which currently seems to be away from the main CJ So Cool channel.
The "So Cool" empire isn't what it used to be. As the kids grow up, the "family" part of the vlogging becomes much harder to maintain. Leon is just the first one to really break the mold, and he likely won't be the last.
Actionable Insights:
- Check out Royalty Johnson’s channel for more authentic updates on Leon, as he tends to appear there without the "prank" pressure.
- Avoid engaging with "hate" comments on either side; these are real people dealing with family issues in a very public, very weird way.
- Keep an eye on Leon’s personal social media (if he keeps it public) for his own projects, as he has hinted at wanting to do his own thing for a while.