Social media sensation KSI has urged his former YouTube collective, the Sidemen, to "be optimistic" following his confirmed departure from the group after nearly 13 years. The announcement has left fans and fellow members "grieving", according to the star.
KSI's Emotional Instagram Post
Olajide Olatunji, 32, known to millions as KSI, shocked his fanbase over the weekend by revealing he would be leaving the collective, which built its reputation on football, comedy, and challenge videos. Despite initial speculation that his exit might be part of a prank or bet, the Britain's Got Talent judge has now affirmed that his decision is "real".
On Wednesday, KSI took to Instagram, sharing a carousel of images featuring himself alongside Sidemen members Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne, and Harry Lewis. Addressing his 13 million followers, 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."
He continued, expressing his profound sadness: "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." Despite the emotional farewell, the London-born star stated he had no regrets about his time with the group, describing it as "the time of my life" and an "awesome crazy journey", adding: "I love these guys, and they will always be my friends for life."
A Message to His Former Colleagues
In a direct message to his former colleagues, KSI acknowledged their reactions: "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." He encouraged them to "be optimistic" and "think positively", reminding them of their devoted audience. "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," he concluded before signing off with: "I love you guys."
The Initial Announcement
The initial announcement came via a YouTube video over the weekend, which KSI described as the "hardest video I've ever had to make in my life". In it, he referred to the group as his "second family" and highlighted their shared achievements, including global travel, a Guinness World Record, and selling out arenas. He clarified that "nothing bad has happened", attributing his decision to "losing the balance in my own life" and finding it "hard to find time for my family".
Beyond their YouTube content, the Sidemen have diversified into various ventures, including a fried chicken chain, clothing lines, alcohol, and cereal. KSI, who began his YouTube journey in 2008 playing Fifa, later expanded into vlogs, comedy, and a successful music career, releasing two studio albums.
