KSI Faces Backlash for Racial Slur, Apologizes and Goes on Social Media Break
Popular YouTube personality and social media influencer KSI is in trouble for using a racial slur in one of his recent videos.
The 28-year-old British rapper, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, caused controversy on Sunday by using his letter choices in a Countdown-style game show to spell out a South Asian slur.
Although the other Sidemen found it amusing, many social media users quickly expressed their outrage on Twitter. According to Deadline, the footage has been made private on social media, rendering it unavailable for viewing.
What Twitter users had to say about it
In response to the incident, one user recounted their experience of racial abuse and physical violence throughout their childhood.
KSI apologises for racist slur in Sidemen YouTube video https://t.co/dNABmFb6Pp
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) April 3, 2023
Another user expressed sincere dismay that KSI, whom their children admire, found amusement in performing the act and found it unacceptable that others were laughing. The person observed how it is customary for individuals to belittle and dehumanize people of color.
Another Twitter user categorized KSI’s conduct as racist and inadmissible, claiming that he must not focus on earning rewards but prioritize correcting his values.
A fourth individual tweeted that KSI should forfeit his sponsorships and step down from PrimeHydrate and Sidemen for directing a racial slur toward Pakistanis and South Asians.
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However, KSI issued a public apology via his social media channels, stating that he recognizes the hurt and offense his words have caused and expressing deep remorse for his actions.
In the apology, KSI also said that he would take a break from social media to reflect on his behavior and take responsibility for his actions.
I wanna apologise for saying a racial slur in a recent Sidemen video. There’s no excuse, no matter the circumstances, I shouldn’t have said it and I’m sorry.
I’ve always said to my audience that they shouldn’t worship me or put me on a pedestal because I’m human. Im not…
— ksi (@KSI) April 3, 2023
KSI apologizes in the wake of the backlash
“I apologize for saying a racial slur in the recent Sidemen video. There is no excuse, no matter the circumstances, I should not have said it, and I’m sorry.”
He continued, “I’ve always told my audience that they should not worship me or put me on a pedestal because I’m human. I’m not perfect, I’m going to mess up in life, and lately, I have been messing up a lot. So I decided to take a break from social media.”
The backlash against KSI’s use of a racial slur has been swift and fierce. Many people are expressing their disappointment and anger at his behavior.
Photo credit: KSI | YouTube
This incident is not the first time that KSI has faced controversy over his use of language. His actions clearly have severe consequences for himself and the wider community.
On Monday, the Sidemen stated a racial slur that was used during their Sidemen Sunday video. They acknowledged the slur’s use, adding, “We accept that it was utterly unacceptable and inexcusable. The fact the incident was made light of on the show was wrong and compounded the hurt.”
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The Sidemen expressed deep regret and genuinely apologized for the incident. They acknowledged that they had let themselves and their audience down.
They emphasized their commitment to promoting positivity and entertainment through their channels and stated they stand against racism and discrimination.
The Sidemen admitted their failure in upholding this commitment and promised to improve their behavior in the future.
