KSI has left the YouTube collective Sidemen after 13 years, confirming May 31 as his final video with the group, according to a bbc.com report.
The social media star and Britain’s Got Talent judge announced the decision in a YouTube video on May 31, saying it was “the hardest video I’ve ever had to make”.
His spokesperson confirmed the departure to the BBC following speculation among fans. KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, said he had “gone back and forth” on the decision for months.
KSI co-founded Sidemen in 2013 with Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne and Harry Lewis. The group’s main channel has 23 million subscribers, while members’ channels collectively exceed 140 million subscribers. Known for football, comedy and challenge content, the collective has also raised millions of pounds through charity football matches and launched businesses including a fried chicken chain, clothing, alcohol and cereal.
Addressing his departure, KSI said “nothing bad has happened” and the decision was “completely my own”. He cited commitments across his career, stating he had been “running at full speed, at 100mph” and that the group “deserve somebody who can give 100%”.
KSI began posting videos in 2008 and has 18 million subscribers on his personal YouTube channel. He is also a musician, former boxer and recently acquired a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club. He appeared in the Britain’s Got Talent final on May 30.
•Featured image: KSI/Getty Images
