The Sidemen take swipe at KSI after he quit YouTube group saying his exit caught them ‘unaware’
THE Sidemen appeared to take a sideswipe at KSI after he announced he was splitting from the YouTubers earlier this week.
In bombshell news the Britain’s Got Talent judge revealed he had recorded his last video with his mates and was flying solo.
Today The Sidemen put up a long post on their social media which seemed to criticise the way in which KSI did it.
They wrote: “Ideally, we would have loved the opportunity to give JJ the send off he deserved, a proper farewell video, time for everyone to process it, and a chance to celebrate everything we’ve built together.
“Unfortunately JJ released the news before we had agreed on a mutual way of letting our audience know.”
KSI posted a long video on Sunday afternoon which not only caught fans unaware but seemed to do the same for The Sidemen too.
They said: “His exit did not happen in the way any of us wanted it to. That has understandably left lots of you confused and we feel like we owe you some clarity.
“It’s difficult for us to address the situation and has taken some time, because we’re a group and not an individual.
“We don’t have a spokesperson as such and each of our opinions and feelings differ, which is why we’re using this shared statement.”
Though they did sound a note of positivity, starting off the statement by saying: “We as the Sidemen wish JJ the best and respect his decision to leave.
“We will be forever grateful for the amazing moments and memories we’ve shared together.”
They also signed off reassuring their fans: “This is the end of an era, but not the end of the Sidemen. The rest of us will continue to bring you Sidemen content with the same commitment and optimism we’ve always had.
“We look forward to continuing the journey with you all, and thank you for always supporting us through everything. Ethan – Harry – Josh – Simon – Tobi – Vik.”
In the video KSI posted he said: “This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life.
“I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.
“But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I’m no longer be doing sidemen videos. Today, 31st of May, will be my final Sidemen video.
“Even saying those words out loud doesn’t feel real.”
KSI went on to say: “The Sidemen have been such a huge part of my life for over 12-13 years.
“For almost half my life, this Sidemen has been my second family. We’ve grown up together. We’ve travelled the world together.”
He later added: “The truth is, nothing bad has happened. This decision is completely my own.
“Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before.
“Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed at 100mph.
“I’ve spent so long trying to be everything for everyone. Trying to be everywhere. Trying to do it all. Trying not to let anyone down. But somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance in my own life.”
KSI went on: “I’ve found it hard to make enough time for myself. I’ve definitely found it hard to find time for my family. I’ve found it hard to make time for the people I love. And I’ve realised that something has to change.
“The Sidemen deserve somebody who can give 100%. And right now, I know I can’t do that. It just wouldn’t be fair to the boys.
“It wouldn’t be fair to you. And it wouldn’t be fair to myself. Walking away from something you love is painful. Trust me, it’s not been easy. But deep down, I know it’s the right thing to do.
“Those boys helped shape who I am today. And I hope in some small way I helped shape who they became too.”
KSI then went on to thank each of the men behind the successful YouTube channel, before thanking the crew and the fans who supported them on their journey.
Concluding his statement, KSI signed off by saying: “But for now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner.”