Logan Paul Apologizes for Posting Video of Apparent Suicide Victim After Facing Intense Backlash
Titled “We found a dead boy in the Japanese Suicide Forest,” the since-deleted 15-minute clip reportedly began with an intro from Paul boasting about the disturbing content before showing footage of what appeared to be a dead body with its face blurred out.
“Suicide is not a joke. Suicide is not a way to gain views. Suicide is not to be taken lightly. What Logan Paul did is not acceptable,” one user wrote. “If you’re struggling, please take your health seriously and please seek help. Your life is worth so much. You are worth so much.”
Celebrities like Aaron Paul and Sophie Turner also spoke out, as did Paul’s fellow YouTubers.
“You’re an idiot,” added Turner, of Game of Thrones fame. “You’re not raising awareness. You’re mocking. I can’t believe how self-praising your “apology” is. You don’t deserve the success (views) you have. I pray to God you never have to experience anything like that man did.”
“Let’s start with this — I’m sorry,” he wrote. “This is a first for me. I’ve never faced criticism like this before, because I’ve never made a mistake like this before. I’m surrounded by good people and believe I make good decisions, but I’m still a human being. I can be wrong.”
He ended his apology by asking his fans to understand his mistake, and assuring them it wouldn’t happen again.
“I do this s— every day. I’ve made a 15 minute TV show EVERY SINGLE DAY for the past 460+ days. One may understand that it’s easy to get caught up in the moment without fully weighing the possible ramifications,” he said.
The statement concluded: “I’m often reminded of how big of a reach I truly have and with great power comes great responsibility… for the first time in my life I’m regretful to say I handled that power incorrectly. It won’t happen again. I love everyone. I believe in people. I’m out here. Peace.”
This isn’t the first time a member of the Paul family has fallen under controversy. Logan’s younger brother Jake Paul made headlines over the summer when his neighbors began complaining about the noise and dangers created by him and his team of digital creators, all of whom shared his home in West Hollywood.
In the wake of the drama, the former Vine star turned musician was let go from his Disney Channel show, Bizaardvark.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).