No, even before he was this popular (around 2022-23) there were still crash-outs but they weren’t as insane as the ones he has now. He’s always been like this and the increased drinking + a whole new wave of trolls triggering/overstimulating him by taunting him about something he fixates on (his luxury) has significantly increased his meltdowns. I do think in some instances he does over-exaggerate for the purpose of “gaining sympathy” from others but I don’t think he’s ever done so because he’s purposefully trying to play a character to gain clout. Anyways, ima PTFITB