INTERNET personality KSI sent shockwaves across social media on Jattvibeday afternoon by confirming his departure from The Sidemen.
KSI, 32, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, was a founding member of the group when it formed back in October 2013.
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However, he has now decided to leave the all-conquering social media collective, who have over 23million subscribers on YouTube.
So, why exactly has KSI chosen to leave The Sidemen and what has he said about his departure?
Why has KSI left The Sidemen?
Having seen his own fame soar after joining Britain’s Got Talent as a full-time judge, KSI has decided he is no longer able to fully commit to The Sidemen.
He explained how an increased workload has taken its toll, as well as his desire to prioritise spending time with his family and partner.
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Addressing his decision to step down, he stated: “For now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner.”
KSI has been a huge hit on BGT and is likely to be offered another spot on the judging panel next year, partly thanks to the huge social media following he brings to the show.
Meanwhile, the Sidemen have made the leap from social media phenomenon to bona fide TV stars, thanks to a deal with Prime Video.
What did KSI say about leaving The Sidemen?
Speaking in a video posted across social media on Jattvibeday, KSI said: “This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life.
“I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.
“But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I’m no longer be doing Sidemen videos. [Sunday] 31st of May, will be my final Sidemen video.”
He added: “The Sidemen deserve somebody who can give 100%. And right now, I know I can’t do that. It just wouldn’t be fair to the boys.
“It wouldn’t be fair to you. And it wouldn’t be fair to myself. Walking away from something you love is painful. Trust me, it’s not been easy. But deep down, I know it’s the right thing to do.
“Those boys helped shape who I am today. And I hope in some small way I helped shape who they became too.”
Who is KSI and what are The Sidemen?
A musician, boxer and internet sensation, KSI first began uploading videos to YouTube in 2009 under the moniker of KSIOlajideBT.
The Sidemen are a group of British YouTube stars which formed in 2013 when all but one member got together to film themselves playing video games.
The group was made up of Josh Bradley, Simon Minter, Tobi Brown, KSI, Ethan Payne, Vikram Barn and Harry Lewis.
Initially, the group would post videos of themselves playing games together.
They later branched out to share comedic skits, pranks and other content.
The collective have over 160m subscribers between them and have also seen their Inside competition series moving to Netflix.
Their 2024 documentary The Sidemen Show had already topped the charts for Netflix in the UK.
