KSI speaks out after fans send ‘racial abuse and threats’ to man blamed for Sidemen exit
KSI has spoken out after his friend, long-time video editor and head of content Mo Syed revealed the shocking amount of abuse he had received since the YouTuber announced he was leaving the Sidemen.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, left fans reeling on Sunday (31 May) after revealing he was leaving the Sidemen after more than 12 years.
The news even blind-sided the Sidemen, who shared a statement admitting that it came as a big big ‘surprise’.
However, in the wake of the announcement, Syed revealed that he had been blamed for 'pulling string' and sent vile messages from some 'fans'.
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“I’ve stayed quiet over the last few days, but I feel like I need to say something,” he wrote in a lengthy statement.
“Since JJ’s announcement, I’ve received thousands of messages. Criticism comes with the job and people are entitled to their opinions.
“What isn’t okay is the racial abuse, messages telling me to kill myself, and people warning me to ‘watch out’ over a decision that wasn’t mine to make.
“The narrative that I’ve somehow recently appeared and had a major influence over this decision is very very strange to me.”
He went on to explain that he’d spent more than a decade working with KSI, and had worked with the Sidemen.
“That’s why it’s strange seeing people talk as if I’ve suddenly appeared out of nowhere,” he continued.
“The Sidemen played a huge role in my career and I’ll always be grateful for everything they did for me.
“The idea that I’ve spent years helping build content around JJ and the Sidemen, only to suddenly turn up and start pulling strings behind the scenes, just doesn’t reflect reality.”
Syed went on to say that KSI is his ‘own man’ and ‘makes his own decisions’.
“You don’t have to agree with his decision. You don’t have to like it. That’s completely fair.
“But blaming people around him because you’re upset doesn’t make it true.
“Almost 11 years ago, JJ gave me an opportunity that changed my life. I’ve stood by him through every chapter since, and I’m not going to apologise for continuing to support someone I’ve worked alongside for over a decade.”
The statement ended: “Nothing but love and respect for JJ, the Sidemen boys, the team, and the fans who have supported all of us over the years.”
Shortly after sharing the post, KSI reposted it to his Instagram Stories, alongside a message of his own hitting out at the abuse.
“I’ve spoken to Mo behind the scenes and it genuinely hurts seeing how some people have been treating him.
“Whether you agree with my decision or not, please leave the people around me out of it.
“This was my decision and my decision alone.
“The abuse, racial comments, and threats towards Mo are completely undeserved.
“Please do better.”
Claire Reid