KSI issues emotional message directly to 'angry' Sidemen after quitting group

KSI has issued an emotional response after his close friends were reportedly left 'surprised' by his sudden Sidemen exit.

The 32-year-old announced that he was leaving the popular YouTube group on 31 May after more than 12 years making videos together.

He has now taken to social media to directly address the matter once again, with many seemingly still in disbelief over the news.

He wrote: "I know this news has been hard to deal with. I know that some people don’t want to believe it. But it’s real. I will be leaving the Sidemen. Writing this is just sad. I’m sad. Of course I’m sad.

"Going through these images, looking back at the years… it’s sad. We’ve done so much man. We’ve made so much content together, we entertained so many people over the years, we’ve done so much for charity and we’ve made so many people on this planet happy.

"And I don’t regret any of it. I had the time of my life. It’s been such an awesome crazy journey. I love these guys, and they will always be my friends for life."

'Don’t see this as the end, see this as a new era or a new beginning'

"Now lemme speak directly to the boys. I know you’re all grieving in your own way because of my decision, but you knew it was coming for a while. And I know some of you are angry, some of you don’t want to accept it, some of you might even hate me, and some of you are just upset.

"It’s ok, I’ll always be here for you. I always have been here for you. Don’t see this as the end, see this as a new era or a new beginning. Be optimistic. Think positively. You have an audience that adore you. An audience that enjoy the content. An audience that have grown with us.

"You’re all very entertaining so don’t think otherwise. You’ve done this without me before and it was great haha. But in the end you know how I am, so you know that I have to do this for my sanity.

"It’s still so mad that all of this started from all those Skype calls. Trains ftw hahaha. I love you guys."

The Sidemen have established themselves as one of the most popular groups on YouTube over the past decade, sharing a range of content which has earned them millions of followers, while their annual Sidemen match has also raised a huge amount for charity.

Considering the number of pranks that the boys have had to do over the years, many assumed that KSI's announcement simply wasn't real, but the Londoner made it clear that his life has become too busy away from the Sidemen for him to continue.

After branching out into the world of music and boxing, KSI has also been the only one of the group to make the step into mainstream media, as he was confirmed as a judge for the latest series of Britain's Got Talent.

He also runs the Prime business alongside Logan Paul and recently became a co-owner of Dagenham & Redbridge football club, so it's clear that he has his fingers in a lot of pies right now.

The Sidemen's statement on KSI's departure

However, the abrupt nature of his exit has undoubtedly shocked the rest of the Sidemen, as they put out a statement of their own earlier this week.

It read: "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."

LADbible has contacted the Sidemen for comment.