KSI Departs Sidemen Collective Following 13-Year Partnership

Social media personality and Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI has officially announced his departure from the YouTube collective Sidemen, concluding a 13-year collaboration. Olajide Olatunji, known professionally as KSI, has produced football, comedy, and challenge content with the group, which boasts 23 million subscribers on their main channel, since its inception in 2013.

A spokesperson for KSI confirmed the news to the BBC, addressing widespread speculation among his followers that the announcement was merely a publicity stunt. In response, the Sidemen collective stated that the news "came as a surprise," though they wished him well in his future endeavors.

"I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time," KSI said in a YouTube video titled as his final Sidemen upload, dated May 31. "This is honestly the hardest video I've ever had to make in my life." He explained that he had spent months deliberating to determine the right course of action, ultimately deciding to cease production of Sidemen videos.

Reflecting on the group’s origins, KSI recalled their early days, admitting he "no idea that tens of millions of people were going to be watching us on the channel." He noted that they built something extraordinary, particularly given their start with random videos and Grand Theft Auto gameplay. KSI emphasized that there was no conflict within the group, stating, "Nothing bad has happened between him and the group," and insisted the choice was entirely his own.

He attributed his decision to feeling pulled in multiple directions, describing his life as being "run at full speed, at 100mph." KSI thanked each of the remaining members—Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne, and Harry Lewis—asserting that they "deserve somebody who can give 100%."

In a social media statement, the Sidemen expressed sadness over the split but wished KSI success. "We had an amazing time on this journey with him," they said. "This came as a surprise to us and we know it will be an adjustment for you, but we've got lots of exciting stuff planned that we can't wait to share."

The Sidemen collective holds over 140 million YouTube subscribers across their channels, with KSI being the most prominent figure among them. Their most viewed video is a challenge where the group split into two teams to vacation in Europe on budgets of $20,000 (£14,867) and $200, which has garnered over 100 million views. Other notable content includes a "Sidemen Tinder" dating series, eating contests, and comedy roasts. Beyond digital content, they have hosted charity football matches that raised millions, and launched ventures in fried chicken, clothing, alcohol, and cereal.

Initially, some fans doubted the legitimacy of KSI’s exit, but many later shifted to posting tributes beneath his video. One viewer commented, "Thought it was fake at first, but looks like it's real. Still don't want to accept it though." Another added, "Good luck on the rest of your journey JJ! Takes courage to make this next step. Don't forget where you came from and how hard working you are as well."

KSI began creating content in 2008, gaining fame as an online streamer. He currently maintains a personal YouTube channel with more than 18 million subscribers. In addition to his digital career, he is a musician, a former professional boxer, and recently acquired a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-31 17:21:28 UTC