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.
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.
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.”
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”.
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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A charity match is being held in memory of late footballer Joe Thompson
Danny Jones
A fundraising match is being held in memory of late footballer and charity champion, Joe Thompson, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
The former Manchester United academy product and Rochdale AFC legend famously faced a long battle with cancer, being sadly diagnosed with nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma for the first time back in 2013, being forced into a prolonged period off the pitch and, eventually, early retirement by 2019.
Bath-born Thompson, who also played for Bury at the end of his career, was tragically struck by the illness on three different occasions; after stage four lymphoma spread to his lungs, he sadly died this past April at the age of just 36.
Just the most heartbreaking story, but in honour of Joe’s life, the two clubs closest to his heart and which she shared the strongest connection to are now set to remember him in a special charity game next month.
Announcing the game via social media on 26 July, Rochdale AFC confirmed it will be hosting the fundraising friendly between the Greater Manchester National League outfit and Man United’s under-21s.
Writing on the club website, Rochdale said: “Both clubs will come together to remember Joe, who meant so much to both Dale and United, on Saturday, 2 August (3pm kick-off).
“A minute’s applause will take place before kick-off, whilst members of Joe’s family, who will be in attendance, are selecting some of his favourite music to be played in the build-up to the game.
“Shirts from the match will also be auctioned off post-match, with proceeds going to Joey T’s Foundation when integrated.”
Detailing how his boyhood club have recently introduced the official ‘Joe Thompson Award’, presented to players who have the traits of not just a United person but, more importantly, Joe: “resilience, honesty, integrity, humility, innovation and a relentless work ethic, with a focus on the community.”
He was a truly inspiring individual.
Even after hanging up his boots, he kept moving for a good cause.
With all this in mind, Rochdale will be a charity exhibition match against United’s U21s squad – a team of players who are around Joe’s age when he left The Cliff to join Rochdale.
The club went on to add that all future fixtures between the clubs from now on will include a special trophy, with the first being the National League Cup match, which is due to be staged at their Crown Oil Arena home ground on 21 October.
As for this touching and heartfelt fundraising fixture, once again, the game will take place on Saturday, 2 August, kicking off at 3pm.
You can find out more details about the ‘A Game For Joe’ charity match in aid of the Thompson family’s foundation and grab your tickets HERE.
Lidl is giving away £10 vouchers to celebrate the England Women’s Euro 2025 win
Thomas Melia
To celebrate England Women’s football team winning UEFA Euro 2025, Lidl is giving away £10 off vouchers to lucky customers.
The supermarket retailer is celebrating England women’s football team’s historic second-consecutive win by giving away £10 vouchers to members who sign up to the Lidl Plus app.
After securing their second Euro victory, the Lionesses have brought home the gold for England, and also scored us money off our next shopping trip – get in.
Titled ‘The Triumphant Tenner’, the German-founded supermarket has launched its latest campaign after the Euro 2025 result, exclusively on its Lidl Plus app.
Lidl has celebrated the Lionesses Euro 2025 victories before, as it gave away £2 off vouchers to 15,000 fans after our ladies scored two goals against Sweden in last Thursday’s match.
The retail giant even gave a free sweet treat to 50,000 Lidl plus app customers from its much-loved bakery after the Lionesses secured their place in the final.
Now, to celebrate the Euro 2025 win, Lidl is giving 100,000 football fans 25% off fruit, as well as 2,025 vouchers for £10 off your next shop.
This isn’t the first time that England Women’s football team have brought home the Euro trophy after beating Germany in the final back in 2022.
It’s also not the first time Forward player Chloe Kelly has led the Lionesses to victory scoring the winning goal at both Euro championships in 2022 and 2025.
The ex-Manchester City Women’s, now Arsenal, star is definitely proud of the team’s achievement, as in a post on the UEFA Women’s Euro account, she cheers: “The first time was so nice, we had to do it twice”.
If you fancy 25% off fruit and a chance to win £10 off your next shop, enter code ‘CHAMPS2025’ into your Lidl Plus app can find more information via their app and online HERE.
Featured Image – England Women’s / FA Communications via Supplied
Emily Sergeant -
3rd April 2023 
