KSI finally admits real reason why he suddenly quit Sidemen after 'physical' confrontation
KSI has finally opened up about the real reason why he suddenly quit the Sidemen, citing volatile and 'toxic' confrontations as one of the reasons he chose to walk away.
The social media star, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, shocked fans in May as he announced he would be leaving the group after almost 13 years making football, comedy and challenge videos together.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge had sparked rumours his exit may have been part of a bet, but later confirmed it was real.
Writing a social media caption as he announced the news at the time, he said: “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.
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"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.”
And in a message directly addressing his former group members, he added: "It’s been such an awesome crazy journey. I love these guys, and they will always be my friends for life.
"I know you’re all grieving in your own way because of my decision, but you knew it was coming for a while.
“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.”
KSI issues honest new update
However in a new update, KSI shared there had been feuds and conflict within the group, describing it as 'toxic'.
He had originally founded the group back in 2013, along with YouTubers Miniminter, Zerkaa, Vikkstar123, TBJZL and Behzinga.
But in a new video titled 'I finally admit everything', posted to YouTube, he revealed what really went on and sparked his decision to walk away.
“Behind the scenes, there was a lot of confrontation," he explained. “At some points, there was some physical confrontation, but there was a lot of confrontation.
“I wanted it to go in this direction, a few of the others wanted it to go in this direction. They were constantly banging of the head.
"I wanted things to slow down but some others didn’t. I felt like the environment was toxic... it got to the point where I decided to make the decision and leave.”
“I wanted to leave on my own terms. I didn’t want someone to put out an article, saying I was leaving.”
The Sidemen later announced that they were moving forward without him, but seemed to issue a swipe at him in a statement about his departure.
At the time, they said: “Ideally, we would have loved the opportunity to give JJ the send off he deserved, a proper farewell video, time for everyone to process it, and a chance to celebrate everything we’ve built together.
“Unfortunately JJ released the news before we had agreed on a mutual way of letting our audience know.”
Responding in the new video, KSI explained he is 'impulsive' and 'needed to leave' the group.
"I could’ve left way better," he said. "But I’m an impulsive guy. I wanted to leave on my own terms. I didn’t want someone to put out an article, saying I was leaving.”
He finished by saying he was 'way happier now' and that he can 'do what I want to do'. He said: “Ultimately, I wish them all the best.
"They seem to be smashing it. Their audience tell me a lot that they’re smashing it. But I’m happy for them. I want them to do well, I don’t wish bad on them.
“Genuinely, I’m so at peace with myself and how my life is. I hold no anger, or jealousy, or envy towards them."
Topics: Entertainment, KSI, Social Media, YouTube
James Holt