Auburn'S 'Ladies Man' Tony Johns: Charismatic Star Or Controversial Figure? - Fresh Celebrity News 2025

Meet Tony Johns: Auburn's Viral Sensation

Hey there, have you scrolled past a quirky video of a guy calling himself the 'Ladies Man' lately? Chances are, it’s Tony Johns, Auburn’s very own social media star. Full name Anthony Michael Johns, this 29-year-old has been turning heads since going viral in 2018 with a hilarious clip about doing community service for a DUI in Utah.

Since then, Tony’s kept the content coming 24/7, racking up a loyal following with podcast appearances and a dedicated Reddit page, @s--ttonysays, boasting over 6,700 members. After moving to Auburn in 2022, he’s become a local icon, snapping selfies with fans at spots like Auburn Plaza and Wegmans. But with great fame comes great scrutiny, right?

At 6-foot-3 and full of wiry charm, Tony’s a walking photo op, especially for the younger crowd. Yet, that’s exactly where some of the controversy kicks in. Stick with us as we unpack the highs and lows of his larger-than-life persona.

From Utah to Auburn: A Rocky Road to Fame

Tony’s journey isn’t just a viral video reel - it’s a rollercoaster of personal ups and downs. Born in Syracuse and adopted at age 5 by Jeri and Steve Johns, he grew up in Salt Lake City dreaming of a career in the FBI or military. Heavy drinking derailed those plans, but a candid DUI video on Twitter (now X) opened a new door to fame.

That iconic clip, where he jokingly cheered, 'My ass is gonna be doing community service for the state of Utah. Wooh! I got a DUI, baby!' while rocking yellow coveralls, has been reposted everywhere. One Instagram share by comedy podcast 'Your Mom’s House' alone hit over 83,000 views. Hosted by Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitsky, the podcast has featured Tony multiple times, with clips racking up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.

'I thought they were laughing at me at first, but then I saw it as my shot to shine - and they’ve taken care of me like family,' Tony shared in a recent chat with The Citizen at State Street Plaza.

The Price of Popularity: Love and Loathing

Being Auburn’s selfie king comes with perks - and pitfalls. Tony’s had high-profile moments, like a planned adult film shoot in Vegas arranged by 'Your Mom’s House' hosts (though delayed by a recent jail stint). But fame cost him personal ties, including a serious relationship in Utah with a woman who couldn’t handle the attention he got from other ladies.

His return to Central New York to find his biological parents didn’t go as hoped either. After a falling out with his biological mother, an order of protection was issued, which he violated on April 15, leading to a six-week stint in Cayuga County Jail. Tony’s candid about his struggles, including diagnoses of anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and anger issues, describing himself as a 'trailer park tornado' when triggered.

Critics, including his mother and her boyfriend, claim he’s off his meds for an alleged paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis - a claim he denies. 'I’ve moved on from them,' he told The Citizen. 'There’s a reason I was adopted.'

Public Antics: Entertaining or Troubling?

Tony’s no stranger to stirring the pot. Whether he’s 'acting a fool for money' at Clift Park in Skaneateles or bantering with strangers on TikTok (@TonyMichaelJohns), his trollish charm often lands him in hot water. A recent August 8 incident saw him escorted back to Auburn by police after a heated exchange at the park - all caught on video, of course.

He’s got a knack for nicknames like 'sweetie' and 'bro,' but not everyone’s laughing. From calling a Cafe 108 operator 'a pile of trash' to racking up bans (or being '86’d' in his lingo), Tony insists he’s just a 'free spirit' having fun. Yet, accusations of harassment and inappropriate behavior toward strangers keep the debate alive.

His daily 'big swigs' of coffee might fuel some of that fiery energy, he admits with a smirk. Funding his lifestyle through Cash App, Venmo donations, and $10 Cameo videos (with a near-perfect 5-star rating), Tony’s grateful for fan support. 'I haven’t had the best life, but my fans have my back, and it feels good,' he shared.

OnlyFans and Underage Concerns: Crossing the Line?

Here’s where things get spicier - and stickier. Tony’s not shy about flaunting his physique on OnlyFans, posting explicit content as a side hustle. Some of that has spilled onto X and Instagram, leading to account deletions. 'I’m a confident, young, handsome man with a lot of testosterone,' he says, unapologetic about showing off.

But this openness raises red flags for many, especially given his popularity with underage fans who snap selfies with him. Critics worry about his proximity to young girls, citing shirtless appearances and alleged comments on age of consent, including a recent video about a 17-year-old. Tony brushes it off, insisting he’s into 'cougars and MILFs' and would 'never do anything wrong' to minors.

Still, past relationships paint a darker picture. Amber Guyett, 28, an ex from Auburn, called him 'a scumbag' who turned 'disturbing' after a stint working together at Lowe’s. She claims he stalked her post-breakup, even camping outside her apartment, leaving her feeling unsafe. 'He manipulates people to feel sorry for him,' she told The Citizen. 'He really needs help.'

A Double-Edged Spotlight: What’s Next for Tony?

Tony Johns thrives in the spotlight, whether he’s belting tunes at karaoke nights with DJ Bryan Throw at Harley’s Pub or Shep’s Brewing Co., or just strutting down Grant Avenue with a Burger King crown. DJ Bryan Schlenker gets the appeal: 'He’s entertaining to watch while you wonder how he’s missed every social cue.'

Yet, that same spotlight burns. Tony admits it’s tough navigating who genuinely likes him versus who’s just gawking at the chaos. 'Everywhere I go, someone knows me,' he says, wrestling with the love-hate dynamic of his fame.

So, is Tony Johns Auburn’s lovable rogue or a ticking controversy? As his story unfolds online and on the streets, one thing’s for sure - this 'Ladies Man' isn’t fading into the background anytime soon. What do you think - fan or skeptic? Drop your thoughts below!