Amanda Bynes, the once-beloved child star, may be attempting a comeback — but those close to her are growing increasingly alarmed. A new TikTok video showing her latest tattoo and hairstyle has reignited fears about her mental health, with insiders saying she looks drastically different and emotionally vulnerable.
In the short clip, the What a Girl Wants star, now 39, introduced her followers to her best friend Dylan and revealed they got matching Roman numeral “X” tattoos to mark ten years of friendship. Amanda smiled as she pointed to the ink on her finger while mentioning that Dylan had hers on her rib cage. She also shared excitement over finally growing out her bangs.
While the video appeared innocent, the reaction behind the scenes has been anything but.
Family urges star to leave Hollywood behind
Sources told GLOBE Magazine that Bynes’ altered appearance — including a puffy face and sluggish demeanor — has alarmed friends and family. Though she insists she’s clean and simply connecting with fans, those close to her believe she’s teetering on the edge.
“She has people who love her and support her recovery, but they’re stunned by how different she looks,” a source said. “They fear she’s still chasing validation in all the wrong places.”
Bynes, who once ruled Nickelodeon and later earned praise for her roles in films like Hairspray and Easy A, has faced years of turmoil. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2013 after being placed in a psychiatric facility by her parents. That followed multiple legal run-ins, including DUIs and drug-related arrests.
Though she’s now sober, insiders say her desire to reenter public life is concerning. In April, she joined OnlyFans, though she clarified she won’t post explicit content and only wants to interact with followers.
Cosmetic surgery obsession raising red flags
Friends are also uneasy about her ongoing preoccupation with cosmetic procedures. She often talks about additional surgeries she wants to undergo, which some feel are extreme and dangerous.
“She once abused Adderall to lose weight,” a source added. “We’re worried she’s using appearance fixes to manage deeper emotional struggles.”
Observers say Amanda’s continued presence in Los Angeles — the city where her troubles began — is hurting her progress. “She needs to step away from Hollywood,” a family insider said. “Her recovery might depend on it.”
For now, Amanda continues to post updates and maintain a low-key profile. But those who care about her most are left wondering whether this latest chapter is a true comeback or another warning sign.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.