KSI quits Sidemen collective after 13 years

YouTube personality and Britain's Got Talent judge KSI has announced his departure from the Sidemen, the online collective he co-founded 13 years ago. The announcement came on May 31, marking his final video with the group.

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This is honestly the hardest video I've ever had to make in my life.

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, has been a prominent figure in the Sidemen's football, comedy, and challenge videos since their inception in 2013. The collective boasts 23 million YouTube subscribers.

His spokesperson confirmed the news to the BBC, addressing widespread fan speculation that the announcement might be a publicity stunt. KSI himself described the decision as one of the hardest he has ever had to make, stating he had deliberated for months.

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I've gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time.

"I've gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time," KSI said in a social media announcement. "I've spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is. But after a lot of thought, I've decided that I will no longer be doing Sidemen videos. Today, 31 May, will be my final Sidemen video."

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I've spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.

KSI, who also recently appeared on the final of ITV's Britain's Got Talent, reflected on the group's early days. He expressed surprise at their massive viewership, noting, "Together we've done things I never thought were possible." Beyond the Sidemen, KSI began his online career in 2008 and has amassed over 18 million subscribers on his personal YouTube channel. He is also a musician, a former boxer, and recently acquired a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club.

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But after a lot of thought, I've decided that I will no longer be doing Sidemen videos. Today, 31 May, will be my final Sidemen video.