Full Breakdown
KSI’s Exit Triggers Sidemen Fallout
6/6/2026, 12:03:48 PM
Core Event: KSI Announces Departure
On 5 June 2026, Olajide Olatunji—known online as KSI—uploaded a video announcing his decision to leave the Sidemen, the YouTube collective he had helped build for over twelve years. In the statement he cited burnout, a desire for a healthier work-life balance, more family time and a focus on his health, and stressed that the choice was personal with no internal conflict and that he remains grateful to his teammates.
Background & Key Players
The Sidemen, formed in 2013, have become a digital-entertainment brand with millions of subscribers, merchandise lines and multiple business ventures. Core members are Ethan, Harry, Josh, Simon, Tobi and Vik. Mo Syed, a longtime collaborator, has overseen aspects of the group’s business operations. KSI, whose full name appears as Olajide Olatunji and Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, has been a leading figure.
Timeline
5 June 2026 – KSI posts departure video. 5 June 2026 – Sidemen release joint X statement. 5 June 2026 – KSI urges fans to stop harassing Mo Syed.
Official Statements & Responses
The Sidemen’s joint statement thanked KSI, affirmed respect for his decision and expressed gratitude for shared memories. It noted that his exit “did not happen in the way any of us wanted it to” and said the group had hoped to organise a proper farewell video and celebrate together. KSI’s departure video reiterated his personal reasons, emphasized no internal dispute, and he called on supporters to refrain from harassment toward Mo Syed, stating that no one should face personal attacks.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans on X responded with sharp criticism, accusing KSI of breaking a mutual agreement and seeking personal viewership. One user wrote, “Snaked his Sidemen mates 100%,” while another claimed the timing undercut a teammate’s soccer-aid event. Some commenters suggested the departure could jeopardise the group’s business ventures, including a Netflix deal, though no official source confirmed this. The backlash also targeted Mo Syed, prompting KSI’s call for civility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree the video and Sidemen statement were released on 5 June 2026, but they differ on the scale of fan backlash; only some cite specific X comments. No quantitative data on harassment of Mo Syed is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
"We want to start this by saying that we as the Sidemen wish JJ the best and respect his decision to leave." — Sidemen collective (Ethan, Harry, Josh, Simon, Tobi, Vik)
"Unfortunately his exit did not happen in the way any of us wanted it to." — Sidemen collective
"Told ya, KSI just wanted to upload the video himself to gain maximum views and didn’t respect any mutual agreement. Snaked his sidemen mates 100%." — @evenprimeodd, X user
"Not only did he post his video alone breaking the mutual agreement, he also posted the video hours before 2 of his best friends had one of the biggest moments playing in soccer aid." — @ViniDinho19, X user
