KSI leaves Sidemen after 13 years, fans and experts weigh in

KSI has revealed his exit from the Sidemen, a YouTube group he helped establish in 2013, which boasts over 23 million subscribers. A representative confirmed the authenticity of this announcement, quelling rumors that it was a prank linked to Arsenal's Champions League defeat. The Sidemen, which includes Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne, and Harry Lewis, gained popularity through various challenges, gaming commentary, and comedic sketches. They ventured into streaming with the Netflix series Inside and were listed as joint 21st among the wealthiest gamers in the UK in 2024, with £50 million. KSI, whose full name is Olajide William Olatunji, has also made strides in music, boxing, and business, while previously apologizing for using racial and transgender slurs. PR specialist Megan Dorian from Orange PR and Marketing believes this split could provide KSI with new opportunities, akin to a musician departing from a band, though risks remain. Sidemen fan Adam Watson, 25, expressed disappointment but anticipated this change, confident KSI has significant plans. The Sidemen stated they were surprised by the news but wish him well, with exciting projects on the horizon. Both Watson and Dorian highlighted the necessity for the group to maintain authenticity to keep their fanbase engaged.