KSI has issued a public apology after using a racial slur in a recent YouTube video, insisting there’s “no excuse” for his actions.
The hugely-successful YouTuber and influencer, turned boxer, rapper, and entrepreneur, was starring in challenge video inspired by British gameshow Countdown on the Sidemen channel – a collaborative group of YouTube personalities formed in 2013 – when he used a four-letter derogatory word for people of Pakistani origin.
The 29-year-old – whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, better known as ‘JJ’, and has more than 29.1 million subscribers on his personal YouTube channel – has been a member of the Sidemen since the group was formed in 2013.
The Sidemen consists of seven members who have a combined total of over 138 million subscribers on their individual channels, and 18.2 million subscribers on the group channel where they post weekly videos that general see them involved in various challenges, sketches, and video game commentaries every Sunday.
YouTube star KSI apologises for using racial slur in video / Credit: Sidemen (via Twitter)
In the group’s most recent video – which was shared to the Sidemen YouTube channel yesterday – KSI was seen constructing the racial slur from the selection of letters provided in the gameshow’s famous word round.
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The rest of the group members were also seen laughing after KSI said the slur.
The video has since been taken down from YouTube and social media as a result of the growing backlash, and both KSI and the group have issued apologies.
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KSI took to Twitter today to apologise for “messing up”, urge his fans not to “put [him] on a pedestal, and confirm he will be taking a break from social media for the foreseeable to reflect on the situation and his actions.
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. Im not…
“I wanna apologise for saying a racial slur in a recent Sidemen video,” he said in his tweet.
“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. Im 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.”
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The Sidemen also issued an extended statement and apology via the group’s social media platforms this afternoon, acknowledging that the incident was “completely unacceptable and inexcusable” and going on to “truly apologise”.
“We have reflected on this incident both collectively and individually and are truly ashamed that we have let you guys down in this way,” the statement reads.
“We want to use our channels 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.”
Since the video was shared to YouTube, there has been widespread backlash and condemnation expressed by fans, famous names, and critics alike on social media – with many branding it “horrifically disappointing”.
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TV personality Dr Ranj Singh is one of several famous names to have spoken out on the situation, calling KSI’s use of the slur “simply unacceptable” and adding that he’s “not just upset, I’m disgusted”.
The apology is appreciated, but:
1) Actions speak louder. 2) You’re not the only one in this video. 3) How was this even allowed to go out on @YouTube? 4) The number of people (especially POC) saying this word isn’t an issue is a problem.
In response to the YouTuber’s apology, which he said was “appreciated”, Dr Ranj said: “Actions speak louder. You’re not the only one in this video. How was this even allowed to go out on YouTube. The number of people (especially POC) saying this word isn’t an issue is a problem.”
He added that some “serious discussions are needed”.
Several others have pointed out that this isn’t the first instance where KSI has used race-related derogatory terms online.
Featured Image – KSI (via Instagram)
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Tommy Fury vs Darren Till press conference descends into foul-mouthed chaos
Danny Jones
The first press conference ahead of Tommy Fury vs Darren Till was held on Tuesday evening and it didn’t take long for the whole thing to descend into absolute bedlam.
Having only been confirmed on Sunday, Fury vs Till will be a homecoming bout for the Wythenshawe-born fighter who is set to headline the first-ever boxing match at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.
With the date set for 18 January, the pre-fight build-up and media frenzy are growing fast and things have already come to ahead in just the first meeting between the two fighters in London this week.
Clearly sharing plenty of bad blood already, while Tommy and Till were engaging in the usual fighting talk, the family patriarch, John Fury, decided to interject and it was at this point that things boiled over.
‼️ Tommy Fury vs Darren Till press conference descends into chaos as Till tells John Fury: "Shut up, you haven't been seen since Oleksandr Usyk battered Tyson."
As you can see, amidst the various insults being thrown around regarding intelligence, boxing ability, Tommy’s older brother Tyson being “battered by [Oleksandr] Usyk”, ‘Big John’ then launches a bottle of water across the table at Till, sparking a hot-tempered on-stage skirmish.
The lengthy exchange features as many expletives as you could imagine, with 31-year-old Darren Till also threatening that he will “bladder” both Tommy and his more established heavyweight sibling Tyson, labelling the entire Fury family “shithouses” as they walk out of the London press conference.
A mixed martial artist by trade who has competed at both welterweight and middleweight in the UFC, Till assured that even if the boxing match isn’t going his way on the night, he will kick [him] square in [the] face”, adding that he’s a “proper fighter” and that Tommy, on the other hand, has no power.
YouTube turned musician and occasional boxer, KSI – the founder of the Misfits promotion who is putting on the event and who Fury beat back in October last year – can also be heard whooping from centre stage and shouting, “Get your tickets!”
Even after the mini-brawl is separated, the foul-mouthed back and forth continues for some time. You can see another angle here:
Press conference aftermath 🤯@darrentill2 was going IN on the Fury’s 😳
This isn’t the first time things have boiled over at a Fury press conference; in fact, it’s not even the first time John Fury, 59, has found himself in the very eye of the storm.
Meanwhile, the youngest Fury son is preparing first his first fight in over a year, having nearly joined this year’s I’m a Celeb lineup instead.
Tickets for the now highly-anticipated boxing match at Co-op Live, just the second combat sports event to have been held at the arena, are on sale now – you can grab yours HERE. It’s going to be a feisty one.
Festive Grinch-themed cafes to pop up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores
Emily Sergeant
Festive Grinch-themed cafes are popping up inside two of Primark’s biggest Greater Manchester stores in the run-up to Christmas.
As the temperatures turn colder by the day, the nights draw in, and the most wonderful time of the year nears closer and closer, it won’t be long before it’s time to snuggle up in our comfies and pop on the first Christmas film of the year – and for some of us, there’s a good chance that first film of choice will be The Grinch.
Whether you prefer the 2000 fantasy comedy starring Jim Carey, or the 2018 animated reboot with Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s undoubtedly a real family favourite.
To celebrate everyone’s favourite grumpy green grouch, Primark has teamed up with Dr. Seuss once again on a Grinch-tastic collaboration.
Festive Grinch-themed cafes have popped up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores / Credit: Supplied
Shoppers can now head to their nearest Primark store to find the largest-ever Grinch collection, with something for the whole family, as well as great gifting options said to be “ideal for getting into the anti-Christmas spirit”.
There’s Grinch pyjamas and slippers for both adults and kids, a Grinch ‘Onesie’ that’s sure to make people green with envy, Grinch drinks cups and mugs, a selection of loungewear and Christmas jumpers for festive dressing, and so much more, as well as whole host of Grinch-inspired outfits and toys for your four-legged friends too.
As part of Primark’s aim to offer affordable choices for everyone, prices for the Grinch collection start at just £1 for accessories, and go up to £24 for adult clothing.
If the return of the Grinch collection wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the all-new Grinch cafes – which are popping up in Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo – are bound to be hit with fans of the furry character.
There’s everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.
With Greater Manchester Grinch cafes set to be open until the end of December, Sarah Jackson – who is the Director of Licensing at Primark, said: “We’re so excited to roll out our amazing cafe experience across a number of our UK locations, bringing a sprinkle of mischief to our customers this festive season.
“Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat or stocking up on pyjamas and gifts for the whole family, we have everything you need to make it a truly unforgettable Grinch-mas.”
Emily Sergeant -
3rd April 2023 
