Internet star KSI has received serious backlash on social media after using a racial slur in a recent Sidemen YouTube video. The rapper has apologised saying there is “no excuse” for using the racial slur and added that he will be taking a step back from social media.
In a video that has since been removed from the Sidemen channel, the 29-year-old, who is also known as a boxer and co-founder of the popular Prime energy drinks, used the derogatory word while playing a game based on Countdown.
His team had to form the longest possible word from nine letters - and KSI gave "P***" as his attempt. The other players were seen laughing afterwards.
After receiving backlash from fans on social media, KSI took to Twitter to apologise:
“I wanna apologise for saying a racial slur in a recent Sidemen video. There’s no excuse, no matter the circumstances, I shouldn’t have said it and I’m sorry.
“I’ve always said to my audience that they shouldn’t worship me or put me on a pedestal because I’m human. I’m not perfect, I’m gonna mess up in life, and lately I’ve been messing up a lot.
“So I’ve decided I’m gonna just take a break from social media for a while.”
The Sidemen also issued an apology on Twitter after fans criticised the group for laughing at the racist remark.
“During yesterday’s Sidemen Sunday a racial slur was said during the video. We accept that it was completely unacceptable and inexcusable.
“The fact the incident was made light of on the show was wrong and compounded the hurt. We deeply regret this and would like to truly apologise.
“We have reflected on this incident both collectively and individually and are truly ashamed that we let ourselves and you guys down in this way.
“We want to use our channel to promote positivity and great entertainment. We stand against racism and discrimination of any kind and we failed to do that. Again, we are truly sorry and promise to do better.”
Many viewers of the Sidemen were angered that KSI had used the racial slur and addressed the incident on social media.
Twitter user MadihaBlob tweeted: “Racism towards South Asians is so normalised that not only does it get laughed at, it gets shared publicly for clout. If you have to preface a racial slur with “I don’t mean this maliciously but” then you know exactly what you’re saying, so KSI had better not plead ignorance now.”
@AidanTheJester said: “People don't believe me when I say anti-brown racism is not AT ALL taken seriously despite being a huge problem
“And then I see 1 of the world's most popular creators, KSI, dropping the same racial slur my mum was called in the 80 This is vile. Where is the outrage?”
Another Twitter user, @EduRashida commented: “The more I watch this, the angrier it’s making me. Cannot believe grown men are sat there laughing as a racial slur. So many of my students adore KSI/Sidemen and watch them - so worrying. Shame to all those involved, including the camera and editing crew.”
READ NEXT:
- Manchester Arena bomb survivors file legal action against conspiracy theorist
- 'I was a homeless teen from Chorlton with a kid on the way - now I run a £1million business with offices in Dubai'
- Shoppers evacuated from The Trafford Centre
- City centre bar asks people to stop having sex in its photo booth after finding discarded bra
- Manchester leaders want 'decisive action' over TransPennine Express amid 'deep concern'
