KSI opens up on 'tough few weeks' after announcing he is leaving Sidemen

KSI shocked large parts of the internet last month when he confirmed his exit from the Sidemen but it seems as if many are struggling to come to terms with the news.

When it comes to famous faces on YouTube, there are few more famous groups than the Sidemen, a seven-strong group of young male creators who focused on football, gaming and generally just having fun.

As the channel grew, the group would attract some huge names and millions of subscribers, with their annual football match also raising millions for charity.

However, seven would become six at the end of May when arguably the most famous standalone member KSI announced that he was stepping back after more than a decade of making videos together.

The London-born YouTuber has broken into the media as a host of Britain's Got Talent, while he also works in music, boxing and football, as well as part-owning the Prime drinks business with Logan Paul.

The group are one of the biggest on YouTube (Sidemen)

So while it's understandable that KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams "JJ" Olatunji, might no longer have enough time for weekly videos with his friends, not everyone is as understanding.

After facing a lot of backlash for his decision, it seems as if the last few weeks have taken their toll on the creator, who has already opened up about the emotional impact of saying goodbye to a group he helped turn into a global brand.

After an X user asked him how he was doing, the 32-year-old gave a very honest answer about the state of his mental health following a 'tough few weeks'.

He wrote: "If I’m being honest, it’s been a tough few weeks. Mentally I haven’t been the best but I have a lot of good people around me. People forget I am human.

"I always put on a brave face and put my KSI mask on, but I’m a person behind the camera and people online have just been ruthless. It will pass, therapy has helped quite a bit."

Seven has become six (YouTube/Sidemen)

Considering the nature of the Sidemen's videos, many assumed that KSI's announcement was a prank at first, but a statement from his six friends made it clear that it was very real.

Posting on Instagram, the content creators collective wrote: "We're sad to share the news that JJ has decided not to continue as part of the Sidemen.

"We had an amazing time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours.

"This doesn't change anything for the rest of us.

"We're still committed to creating the best content, events and shows that we can for you all.

"This came as a surprise to us and we know it will be an adjustment for you, but we've got lots of exciting stuff planned that we can't wait to share."