Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 27, 2025 · Entertainment

From Viral Star to UPS Worker: The Unlikely Journey of 'Alex from Target'

Alex from Target was one of the first major social media stars after photos of him bagging items at Target in 2014 went viral

THE COMING CLEAN OF ALEX FROM TARGET: THE TEEN HEARTTHROB WHO VANISHED FROM THE SPOTLIGHT

In a shocking revelation, Alex Lee, the former cashier who shot to fame after a photo of him working at Target went viral, has finally broken his silence about what really happened behind the scenes. The 27-year-old, who was just 16 when he became an internet sensation, has spoken exclusively to People magazine about his tumultuous journey from viral superstardom to reclusive influencer.

As we take a trip down memory lane, let's recall how Alex's life changed overnight after that fateful photo of him scanning groceries went viral. The teenager's clean-cut looks and charming smile had the nation swooning, with millions of followers flocking to his social media accounts in a matter of days. He even landed appearances on The Ellen Show and Inside Edition, earning comparisons to teen pop sensation Justin Bieber.

Seemingly overnight, the cashier ended up with millions of followers on social media and made appearances on The Ellen Show and Inside Edition

But as Alex navigated the treacherous waters of fame, he soon found himself overwhelmed by the constant scrutiny and harassment from trolls. His family was inundated with death threats, forcing them to take drastic measures to protect their privacy. "People started treating me differently," Alex recalled. "The news companies would wait outside my high school. The exposure was intense, and I ended up having to leave my school and start homeschooling."

Alex's management team, desperate to cash in on his newfound fame, pushed him into acting classes and encouraged him to audition for TV and film roles. However, the young Texan struggled to adapt to the cutthroat world of Hollywood. "I hated it so much," he admitted. "So I ended up abandoning that project as well."

As Alex's star continued to wane, he found himself trapped in a cycle of social media chaos. His management team insisted he start a YouTube channel, which only added to his stress levels. "I hated it so much. So I ended up abandoning that project as well," he said with a sigh.

After turning 18, the teenager moved from Texas to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting

But what about the infamous Justin Bieber comparison? Did Alex feel flattered or frustrated by the attention? "Honestly, it was weird," he confessed. "People were comparing me to him left and right, and it got old fast."

So, what's life like for Alex now that he's abandoned the spotlight? The former influencer has traded in his social media throne for a more mundane existence as a UPS driver. Yes, you read that right – Alex Lee is currently working at United Parcel Service, loading trucks in the morning and enjoying a stress-free existence.

When asked about his decision to leave Hollywood behind, Alex was candid: "Right now, I have a job at UPS, I load the trucks in the morning, and I have to say it's so much better than doing social media. The stress is so much lower. It pays a lot less, but I'm a lot happier doing it."

Alex later started bulking up in a bid to change his appearance before quitting social media for good

But what about his love life? Has Alex found happiness outside of the spotlight? The answer is yes – he's started building a house with his longtime girlfriend, who was a friend before they started dating.

As the world continues to dissect Alex's decision to abandon fame, many social media users are left wondering: "Was it right for people to exploit and sexualize this underage teenager?" One user wrote, "It doesn't sit well with me that an underage teenage boy went viral because people took unsuspecting photos of him at his place of work and uploaded them so he can be sexualized." Another added, "Good for Alex. Not everyone wants fame based on what they can't control like looks. He didn't ask for any of this and people who can think they can exploit random people cause they look good or look odd are sick."

As we bid farewell to the reclusive influencer, it's clear that Alex Lee has finally found a sense of peace and normalcy in his life. And as he continues to build his new life in private, fans can't help but ask: "What happened to Alex from Target?"

Source: People magazine exclusive interview with Alex Lee

Follow-up article on TheScholarlyNote.com: "Alex From Target's 15 Minutes of Fame: A Cautionary Tale of Social Media Exploitation"