YouTuber KSI Leaves Sidemen Group After 13 Years

KSI announced in a video that he will no longer participate in Sidemen videos, with 31 May marking his final appearance. The YouTuber, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, said the decision followed months of consideration. "This is honestly the hardest video I've ever had to make in my life," he stated.

He added that he had spent a long time weighing the choice and concluded he could no longer give the required commitment. A spokesperson told the BBC the announcement was genuine after some followers questioned whether it was a stunt. KSI recalled the group's early days and thanked the other members for their work.

The collective has produced football, comedy and challenge videos since 2013 and maintains 23 million YouTube subscribers. KSI began posting videos in 2008 and maintains a separate channel with more than 18 million subscribers.