Bretman Rock on Self-Made Success, How a Breakup Led to a Mansion & Beauty Industry's "Ugly" Side

He said what he said, and he meant what he said! Bretman Rock, the singer, songwriter, activist, and scientist on the side looks back at his journey in the spotlight. From his young Bretman "Pebble" (not quite Rock yet) days on Vine to having his own MTV reality show and releasing memoir "You're That Bitch," Bretman opens up about always staying true and being unapologetically himself.
Director: Tyler Cunningham
Director of Photography: Seannie Bryan
Editor: Christopher Jones and JC Scruggs
Talent: Bretman Rock
Producer: Funmi Sunmonu
Associate Producer: Emebeit Beyene
Production Managers: Andressa Pelachi, Peter Brunette
Production & Equipment Manager: Kevin Balash
Cam Op: Nick Massey
Audio: Gabriel Fragoso
Talent Manager: Mica Medoff
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Erica Dillman
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
PA: John Brodsky and Marquis Wooten
00:00 "It's Bretman Rock, but you already knew that"
00:26 First Viral Vine
02:14 The early beauty tutorials...
03:40 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
05:28 Morphe Collaboration
07:03 MTV's Following: Bretman Rock
07:49 MTV Awards: Breakthrough Social Star
08:36 AD Open Door
10:13 Leaving the Beauty Community
11:53 You're That Bitch

[@moniquators8364]

Bretman has been the only influencer who has stayed true to who they are and is genuinely a good person.

[@maychonglee5883]

He's not a good person, he is racist

[@random-fish]

I believe this too.

[@hahanah1463]

Get a life!

[@londonbordeaux]

Who tf is they????? Bretman uses he/him, be respectful, wtf is wrong with u.

[@smartfreak97]

It’s because he’s close to his family. They keep him grounded.

[@muhlaynee]

‘When did beauty become so ugly?’ - pause. Everything he said about the beauty community is true.

[@lesssmuaa5392]

Literally it’s not fun watching it like it used to be.

[@Greybell]

i was shocked when he was explaining about how toxic it was until i remember all the unnecessary drama that happened in the beauty community a few years ago. thank goodness those people aren't as famous as they were.

[@divaanggaraaa]

@@Greybell what drama?? im curious

[@naysgaming]

@@divaanggaraaa james charles tati and i think jeffrey star idk i can’t remember 😭☠️

[@waydaszn]

@@lesssmuaa5392 exactly its just so problematic like where is the makeup and glitters?😭😂😂

[@ed8329]

Bretman is a great example of letting your child be THEMSELF. Imagine if his parents forced him into football and the closet? Instead they let him be him and he just bought his mom a sweet house in Hawaii! YES!

[@sarairicechannel]

This- but Bretman is athletic! He played sports growing up. Imagine being that multifaceted as a young person.

[@neopa06]

Yeah so good. What a man.

[@willowoodz]

@@sarairicechannelbretman is rlly the main character of his life lol

[@SirenRyan]

@@neopa06 He provides financially for his mother and family, brings people joy, doesn't hurt anyone, works out regularly and is extremely physically in shape and strong, and helps take care of his sister's children. The definition of a true man to me!

[@theroyalfamilytube613]

I love my son very much. But I’m not letting him go to do wrong life decisions coz i love him. God made him HE. That’s it

[@icanseewater]

Talk about being SELF MADE! The most unproblematic, grounded, inspiring and ridiculously authentic person on the internet! Go on, BRETMAN! Always rooting for you! X

[@maiavitale8458]

Bret supremacy babes😽

[@ryanramirez38]

He is beyond every positive word in every language dictionary. Truly a. role model, inspiration, and beam of light upon earth!

[@the.interlude]

absolutely!

[@diegoO4051]

God, definitely made his favorite

[@sharonpeneha9879]

Inspiring so love you Bratman be you

[@3rachasauce8]

The way Bretman shouted out his ex and HOA is the biggest mood, I love how he’s one of the only influencers that continue to be genuine and unapologetically themselves. I loved this interview so much!

[@lamiae67]

What does HOA mean pls?

[@kisikisi4766]

(2)?

[@nataliearciniega2103]

​@@lamiae67 homeowners association. Some neighborhoods have HOA's where you pay fees for community "perks" and there's rules you have to follow.

[@narsaki3922]

@@nataliearciniega2103 woooh, that's kinda sucks.. omg

[@nataliearciniega2103]

@@narsaki3922 it does, the neighborhoods are nice so really that's what you're payig for, but a lot of HOA's have stupid rules.

[@nashiarainey2577]

Bret making the producers laugh is everything 😭

[@noelaniperry7583]

Decided it was unfair for you to stay at 999 likes ..... congrats 👏🏿

[@NS-xt5wv]

We see a lot of traumatized people, but Bretman Rock is an example of a person who was raised by a loving and supportive family, and I think he doesn’t realize that his healthy confidence isn’t a given, it was cultivated by his parents and upbringing, he’s been really blessed!

[@snehasajeevan529]

👀 ummm i dont think he had a very happy childhood thgh his parents are divorced or they fight alot i think i m nt sure

[@eliolovesgaymovies1117]

​@@snehasajeevan529 i think he's still had a huge support despite the problem. Individually he was supported by his mom and dad after divorced..

[@calblue8694]

@PandAsaki i feel you ❤️

[@canesugar911]

He def had trauma. But didn't ruminate in it like most people do these days. His self confidence was probably a coping mechanism. Which is not a bad thing.

[@arasorima3059]

The story between his parents divorced is he saw his dad and the helper doing things, and told it innocently to her mom. The reason of the break up. He always blamed himself for breaking his family apart. That's definitely trauma there.

[@Khyarro]

His stance on the digital beauty community is absolutely true. I was following the OG Michelle Phan for so long, and even herself admitted that she had to step back and take a long break because she was loosing herself in the money machine.

[@aspannas]

Sad to see her ending up in a cult, she seems to have completely spiraled into insanity.

[@AA-wh5ll]

its literally all about parthnership, mikayla made me realise that.

[@PersonWithStupid37]

@@aspannas what cult?!

[@dahdream6044]

@@aspannas I KNOW! That was so insane to see.

[@dancingdani25]

@@aspannas what? Elaborate??

[@moviechic07]

Thank you for supporting us Kanakas, and using your platform to not only rep for the Filipinos out there but also for the local and indigenous people of Hawaii. We really appreciate it. 💖

[@gleefultalkshow]

🙌

[@jaymieberry]

Cheeeeehoo

[@allys744]

I agree with Bretman about the beauty community. Between the whole Jeffree/Shane/Tati/James drama and the disastrous Laura lee apology, it became an absolute train wreck. Most of these troublesome gurus have one thing in common: they shift blame and never take responsibility. I’m not a huge fan of bretman, but I like how matured and grounded he is here. He seems like a genuine, morale person

[@kiki29073]

I can't deal with his open racism towards white people and no one else is calling him out. No one else even thinks it's wrong or he is a racist.

[@elizabethsalarde2194]

@@kiki29073 lmaooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@zoeylight3657]

​@@kiki29073 lol girl stfu you're mad because it's true what he said. Because all this drama started because of gummy bear hair vitamins. And he's not being racist he's being honest. Because the beauty community used to be full of love and happiness and everyone got along with each other and it was fun. But now look where it's at. It just happens to be a bunch of white people fighting with each other.

[@cyrusfolami898]

@@kiki29073 its so weird how you guys changed what racism means when it was a term started for specific instances in american history where the majority opressed the minority because of race with the sense that everyone else was inferior to them.. like this is not even a educated guess... white supremacy that whole concept whole nations actually believed academically, scientifically , religiously had whole churches talking about eugenics. it was the civil rights movement that even brought up the concept that we were all equal human beings that was less than 70 years ago. So in what world do you think pointing out how a majority made an industry less inclusive was racist?

[@jae5223]

@@kiki29073 cry me a mfn river gworl

[@jonajoylim4943]

it is so rare to find a social media influencers that have a unique and authentic identity! bretman rock is that girl. i love you so much bret!!

[@anemx8369]

Agreeee. A lot of their personalities are contrived for the camera and then they slip up, show their true colors and people are turned off. Bretman is as authentic as they come.

[@oheysha]

Shoutout to this channel for not filtering or editing out anything that Bretman said, bc miss girl said what he said and meant it! A breath of fresh air honestly

[@nmffal]

I'm a straight guy, but I love watching bret, he is such a vibe. He can make everyone smile with his authenticity. And he's the only one who does that.

[@charlenembarga3239]

Why do you have to specify that you’re straight 😢 genuine question…

[@nmffal]

@@charlenembarga3239 because in these generation you don't know who is not just saying.

[@kyliedee6079]

@@charlenembarga3239 because most people assume Bretman's fans are only females & the lgbtq community.

[@jinnxx2729]

​@@charlenembarga3239 their opinion

[@jamalgipson7781]

Lol that’s so cool that ur straight we all love that for you boo

[@MelissaLeeGomez]

“Forbes, shut up!” Took me out! Lolol I wouldn’t want Forbes telling my financial business either lmaooo

[@BloodEclipse]

“The beauty industry became the sorry industry” I love Brent for telling how is truly is 😂 This is why I only keep up with him.

[@kariamber99]

I love how self aware Bretman is. Like they are NOT afraid to talk about the funny moments in their life bc they know where they are now 😂 that ID pic is hilarious

[@vanessaramirez182]

when he said “everyone thinks I’m a millionaire, which I am… which I AM NOT” LMAOOOO I cackled

[@kurikong2379]

Yes bc in the Philippines, your relatives become suddenly nice and close to you when you’ve made it. I imagine some of Bretman’s relatives rolling their eyes bc Bretman is LGBT and didn’t go to higher education and “wasting” their time posting on social media

[@vanessaramirez182]

@@kurikong2379 believe me I figured, its the same with Hispanic households as well, sad honestly. But just the way he said it made me laugh lol

[@youjustgowomen6176]

Honestly it's the same with the south-asian community. The minute they know you have some money . The whole dynamic shifts but it's not in a healthy way though. Becomes very backstabbing and betrayal motive.

[@aareyes6449]

This why we LOVE Bretman. He is unapologetically himself and it inspires so many people to BE THE SAME. This is why we support him, his creative, bold, funny, witty, smart and drama free. Continue soaring high Bretman. We love you.

[@maggyxchuu]

“He owes me so much money for all the make up he made me buy” 😂😭😂 love listening to his commentary so much

[@Rosa-mj5mt]

Making fun of bretman for not saying phrases and metaphors correctly is so low and disrespectful. Not everyone is a native english speaker 🙄 Ps. Some people have made comments attacking me which i honestly find very odd. I dont think my comment was in any way offensive. As if im the bad guy for calling out the person/s being rude towards bretman.

[@alguaii272]

Who was making fun of him!)

[@heyitsbrandon733]

who was doing that?????????

[@biboebuen6469]

she did

[@zr5168]

Double end sword is the new and correct phrase only yuh purr

[@maiavitale8458]

nobody said that go away b****

[@Lynniique]

this was such a great interview. i love bretman rock and what he represents… and he does it effortlessly by just being himself. such an inspiring person!! love the message behind his book too 🥰

[@riddhimashome8698]

I LOVE how he mentions and highlights the island people. People who needs the limelight, he knows how to worth them. Much love, Bretman! ❤

[@user333happyvibes]

Bretman is gonna be next big pioneer, he already is and will only get bigger as he gets older!!! He IS a chosen one!! Let’s BE FO REAL!!

[@musarratrashidijoty9625]

I had no idea Bretman made an announcement about leaving the "beauty community", I just thought his content changed and that's it. But now that I know, I absolutely love it 🤣 it's so iconic 💙

[@allisonreyes8689]

i think this was just one of his myriad of ig stories during lock down time where he collected all those plants lol a lot of people missed it

[@jennryokucha]

omg i remember those times after that he started collecting chickens lol@@allisonreyes8689

[@Itsmejessica963]

The way he spoke about why he left the beauty community is accurate.

[@axelsgf]

Bretman was like an older brother to me growing up always kept shlt 101% real and never failed to make me laugh, nobody is perfect and everyone had their drama but at the end of the day you know they are a genuinely great person.

[@michelleyoga87]

My doctor said “it’s a they/them” and then his parents allowed him to be just that…..and he was able to truly be himself bc he lived in a remote location and didn’t have society telling him who to be….literally love him.

[@listentobutyoubyikon1292]

"Bretman Pebble. He wasn't a rock yet. " 🤣🤣🤣

[@concealerthis]

I love me some Bretman Rock. He makes me smile every time I see him. And I’m genuinely proud of all of his success.

[@astoldbylee2746]

He’s ABSOLUTELY correct about the beauty community and who ruined it

[@misssnobooty]

I’m white and agree wholeheartedly

[@theresalives4973]

I will always love Bretman his positive, authentic energy is contagious. Grateful for his existence!

[@jhonathanazeredo7660]

I was not ready for the driver license's pic... I love how genuine Bret is.

[@RBubbles202]

I am an Aunty, but I love following his journey. This young person is an incredible representation for Hawaiʻi, our community, and our youth. Unapologetically themself and I love it. ❤️ Eō.

[@HalfMyShina]

Bretman is the example of the self-made content creator should become He’s inspiring confident and never cause any problematic drama I love this human so much

[@marialarosa8907]

Not me almost spitting my Ramen noodles out mid chew because Bretman said “she thought I was selling drugs online” PUH LEASE OMG 😭😭🤣🤣😭😭🤣❤️❤️❤️

[@koostrawberry]

i love him so much for how honest he is. For the kind of industry he is its very easy for people to be carried away and create content that only entertains the trends and also for the sole purpose of making money which is understandable. Anyone would do it for the bag. But being so transparent,clean and honest is just so raw and amazing to witness. I love him and wish him the best 🫶🏼🥰

[@happygilmore3023]

It’s crazy how I’ve watched him grow to be the man he is today. Like very much an inspiration to me and so many others.

[@Zeeeeeeeex]

Omg, this video made me cry. I am so happy for his success. Self made young icon. Love him. So humble

[@frijosv6602]

Its so awesome to see how far hes come. He has always been 100 percent himself. He is so confident and i love that

[@taylorjenkins2261]

I have loved Bretman FOR YEARS. I still do. He introduced me to myself. He is so contagious and I love every bit of it. Do you know how much energy you need to have to touch people through a screen?

[@Vintage645]

This video is so iconic, I feel like he rarely does in depth interviews like this. I love to see him taaalk

[@jennya333]

I love him, been following since the beginning and it’s beautiful seeing his growth and just how he’s always stayed true to himself.

[@inhaleit]

When I think of the word inspirational, I think of Bretman. They are such a positive influenser, hard working, genuine human

[@lGold101]

"when did beauty become so ugly" Big words fit for an unbothered and unproblematic person in the beauty , i mean sorry industry.

[@maychonglee5883]

He is problematic

[@lGold101]

@@maychonglee5883 when was he problematic? I'm ready to change my opinion if you can give examples with hard enough evidence.

[@maychonglee5883]

@@lGold101 like the other person said, he said the n word multiple times, used black culture for his benefits, and literally blamed a whole race for a community he was never welcomed in.

[@uryuu7758]

​​@@maychonglee5883 shut up bobo

[@maychonglee5883]

@@uryuu7758 Stay mad

[@Colette_Leroux]

Bretman is the only KZbinr/internet celebrity I’ll support. I’m also first generation and I’ve watched him grow up throughout the years since he was a kid. I already ordered your book and it arrives tomorrow! Might follow along with the audiobook of you reading it! I love following along books when the author reads it themselves too. Sending love and support to you and your family, Bretman!

[@zachucw2995]

His Leo vibes are screaming loud throughout this whole interview

[@mvshroom623]

I absolutely agree 😂

[@sheenyxxi]

Bretman is everywhere and of course I'm super here for it!

[@theojambalaya]

I love how candid Bretman is! Iconic!

[@AngelaNewcomb]

We miss you Bretman! Please grace us with more content. I NEED IT!!

[@alejandra.sanmartin]

Omg i miss bretman so much!!! I used to watch him all the time ❤️❤️❤️ love how he not afraid to be himself and is unapologetic about it 👏 definitely buying this book

[@victorperez6956]

I love how he’s making everyone laugh behind the scenes lmao 😂 including me

[@justhere5037]

Wow Ik bret was amazing but really seeing the way he talks and how humble he is. Like the whole importance of bringing his culture up is so truly amazing! I have no words the maturity the humbleness and the gratitude truly amazing! ❤

[@bekanimal]

Wow this video automatically played for me just now and after 4 and a half minutes, I still have no idea who this is but I already ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM so much. This person has the best vibe and is hilarious.

[@cas2252]

Bret man the only guy I followed since vine. And he hasn’t changed everything he brings always gave me a smile

[@victoriagrullon2620]

I love that Bretman is so true to himself. A true Leo

[@haute03]

I have such a soft spot for Bretman. I always appreciate that he's unapologetically himself. (Side note/q: is he wearing Peter Do?)

[@eliolovesgaymovies1117]

Looks like Robert Wun, correct if I'm wrong I'm not into fashion but checking his IG pics i seemed to familiarise myself hahahah. I saw the yellow color, i saw a black one, now this looks like beige 🤭

[@haute03]

@@eliolovesgaymovies1117 Thank you!!

[@wonwild1]

I love him! I love how open, understanding, and real he is! I hope he lives a good long life:)

[@lvlyflrs3736]

You're so beautiful here, Bretman! Like a literal Filipino mandirigma x diwata. So proud of you. Hope you have more success, joy, and peace!

[@thisisalisha]

How can you not love Bretman, just the best human!

[@Jesstp]

I followed Bretman since he was still Bretman Pebble 😂 and so happy to watch him grow and become a more and more amazing person. I think i never rooted for influencer as much as i root for him.

[@azuholmes]

Maybe Bretman showing off here and there but I also feel that he's so humble too. I follow him since Vine, yeah 2014/15 , he is so original. I'm so happy for him for achieving what he has now. Seriously, I'm so happy for him :)

[@achu1897]

The realest, unproblematic, untouchable energy guy!!! ❤️‍🔥

[@almondbl0ssom]

i absolutely adore bretman rock so much ❤️ such an inspiration 💖

[@illectroBarbie]

I love you, Brettman Rock. Don't change even when you get older. Love & Light

[@maiavitale8458]

i first saw Bretman’s contour tutorial video which went viral in 2015 i was in junior hs, ever since then i’ve been following his growth, back then he was 16 i was 16 too and i couldn’t help but to be so impressed. He was a kid my age and he was doing all that, he really deserve that title “influencer” 😊

[@coniemarie_7396]

I love bretman through the years because she’s so genuinely funny with authentic personality 😂❤

[@RicaValencia]

I love you so much, Bretman! What a genuine, authentic, self-made person!

[@royalleashleyasprec2491]

I have so much respect for Brett. They’re an influencer that I would LOVE to meet. Maybe it’s also being Filipino and having the same values, but I feel like a proud cousin❤️

[@Trinsolo]

I love Bretman, always says what's real and relatable. He just doesn't sugar coat anything.

[@samanthagraszler6226]

I'm loving all the Bretman content that their book publicity tour is bringing us! I have always loved how Bretman is unapologetically themself.

[@TikimaReneeFitness]

I’ve watched Bretman’s AD and thought I like them. After this… I’m in love. Such a beautiful soul.

[@alanbritochocolette]

Seen so many shorts had to watch the whole interview 😂😂😂😂

[@rebecca2653]

I have been watching him since he was a little boy. I remember a vine he did brushing his teeth "like a Filipino" (and if you know, you know LOL) and I was like, "Oh my God, we are all the same". And it was so cool to FINALLY see Filipino/Asian representation so real and so raw. He really is a self-made man and he is so intelligent. I'm so proud of him.

[@Lunarj]

I’ve been following Bretman since vine. He’s come along way. I still have his highlight palette.

[@djmindy]

Best and most honest interview. I am so excited to get and read your book!!!

[@ShanieCakesss]

Best personality I've followed. Probably only rich person I'm obsessed with lol. Love him. I remember sending one of his first videos to my sis laughing so hard. I'm in my thirties. He still hits different

[@mariakovaleva290]

I was watching Bretman since 2015, I remember everything they did and how they were raising to the well deserved fame. I just love love love how real they are!!! Bretman is a light of truth, unapologetic realness and I’m always gonna be here for it!

[@robertmckinneyiii717]

The explanation of his book made me want to drop everything and buy it! 😭 ! 🔥🔥

[@strawberries4everr]

I love that he keeps everything authentic

[@sruvalcaba1000]

I can never get enough of him!!! I love him since vine!! 🖤

[@I-kd3cz]

ive watched him since vine days Bretman deserves all the success in the world

[@mich.moelle]

😢 he is still chaotic, witty and genuine, miss his energy!

[@tanitkirjonen15]

I haven't followed Bretman's journey as close as other people, but still, I'm so happy and proud for everything they have done and so happy someone like them exists 🤗

[@TheCD45]

Great job on this interview you guys!!! Awesome content

[@claudelii21]

I was never interested in his content, but I can admit he rubs me the right way, like the vibe is Vibing. Good for you!

[@jackieescobar09]

No matter how much success Bretman has or how rich she is… Bret is the same person ❤ and it shows through the interviews and shows. Bret remains her authentic self!

[@babeyxo]

im loving all the bretman contents!!!! ITS GIVING

[@cheapmisfit3894]

I love that Bretman is over the top, but in a very down to earth kind of way.

[@nathaliecarluccio7559]

Omg I love him so much! He 's the queen of sassyness ❤️❤️❤️ his attitude is gold!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nanettemiller4853]

So proud of you embracing the real Pilipino in you! Love your outfit on the AD clip. Make up is so not popular now! Being one’s self, accepting oneself is way better that make up! U are beautiful! Ang kagandahan ng push ay walang kupas!❤❤❤

[@gleefultalkshow]

I only got to discover Bretman a couple of years ago! And i love love his authenticity and charm! Got his new book with Audible!

[@PattieCosplay]

Very inspiring and genuine interview, plus lovely hair and outfit❤

[@maec8014]

Been here for him since his tapestry days 😍

[@Debsmia]

Same! It literally feels like it was yesterday

[@maec8014]

Even since Princess behind him while he was dancing. And his mom throwing that cabbage at him 🤣🤣😊

[@maec8014]

Even since Princess behind him while he was dancing. And his mom throwing that cabbage at him 🤣🤣😊

[@ingusch3783]

Bretman might very well be the only influencer/creator I've been following for almost a decade without losing interest or unsubscribing because they turned into a pos like so many others. Truly, what a down-to-earth icon. ❤

[@34joliez]

I love you so much Bretman! Been a fan since day one. You're so so so inspiring to me and i am so grateful to have grown up watching you and getting to know about you!! Youre so cool Betch ❤

[@3amthoughts967]

Bretman really out here educating the world on everything! ❤

[@InnocentOnPaper]

The Bretman Colourpop pallette is one of the very best I own to this day. Bretman is such a sweetheart and down to earth with their chickens!

[@ZithobeM]

I don’t even know where to begin to describe how much I love bretman! So so inspired ❤️

[@clarissabermudez]

I CANNOT WAIT TO GET THIS BOOK!!!! I’ve been dying to get into reading again and this is going to be it!

[@mehsinamarin1518]

I totally understand how someone can grow on something and move on. And it's totally cool.. it's growing up. Love this slaying Goddess.