KSI is back in news for the wrong reasons. This Youtuber is becoming controversy’s favourite child. However, things seem to be a bit serious this time. KSI used a racial slur and had to apologize after people bashed him for doing so.
The latest drama has left the audience confused. KSI has quit social media for a while. On April 3, 2023 he announced that he would be taking a short break from social media.
What Did KSI Say?
KSI posts frequent content on his youtube channel which boasts over 40 million subs and almost a staggering 10 billion video views. He used a racial slur for South Asian people. This four-letter word was uttered during a Countdown challenge.
I’m so triggered by the whole ksi situation & people acting like it’s not a racial slur. I grew up being racially discriminated and bullied by other children from a very young age for specifically being a Pakistani & I never spoke up about this. It will never sit right with me.
— A (@a_dinx) April 4, 2023
KSI was playing the challenge with six other creators when the word “p***” was uttered by him. The particular clip of the racial slur became viral instantly on social media. KSI quickly saw the outrage and apologized. But in such cases, an apology is often not enough. The video isn’t available but recorded clips of the incident are revolving on social media.
The "P Word" is not just aimed at Pakistanis by the way. It's a slur aimed at an South Asian, or brown person in general. Check this Sikh speaking out bashing.
KSI is a waste man.
Chunkz is an obese elephant. pic.twitter.com/HFxCbHyaD8— – (@hxMUFC) April 3, 2023
KSI apologized for using a racial slur
KSI took to Twitter to make an apology and mentioned that he was regretful for the slur he made during a recent Sidemen video. There was no excuse for what he said and he hopes fans apologize to him.
I wanna apologise for saying a racial slur in a recent Sidemen video. There’s no excuse, no matter the circumstances, I shouldn’t have said it and I’m sorry.
I’ve always said to my audience that they shouldn’t worship me or put me on a pedestal because I’m human. Im not…
— ksi (@KSI) April 3, 2023
“I’ve always said to my audience that they shouldn’t worship me or put me on a pedestal because I’m human.
“I’m not perfect, I’m gonna mess up in life, and lately I’ve been messing up a lot.
KSI visited Al-Hikam Institute, a mosque in Bradford ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8eA664EsXl
— Sidemen Updates (@sidemenupdated) April 4, 2023
The group of other creators who were part of the video were ridiculed for laughing at the slur. The Sidemen tweeted their apology as well. They mentioned “The fact the incident was made light of on the show was wrong and compounded the hurt.
The more I watch this, the angrier it’s making me. Cannot believe grown men are sat there laughing as a racial slur. So many of my students adore KSI/Sidemen and watch them – so worrying. Shame to all those involved, including the camera and editing crew https://t.co/EgkoyAxp7X
— Rashida (@EduRashida) April 3, 2023
Fans are disappointed
Fans were not happy with the apology. Ansha, an ardent fan of KSI says that his apology didn’t feel genuine. Considering how offensive the word can be for some people, it was amusing to see him saying it so casually.
why are people genuinely justifying KSI’s comment based on this idea that “it didn’t offend me and therefore it’s not offensive” ? it’s a racial slur and therefore it’s disgusting and offensive and we shouldn’t have to compare it to using other slurs, surely it’s that simple?
— t🇵🇸 (@_tasels) April 2, 2023
Another fan tweeted how racism against South Asians is ignored and normalised
Racism towards South Asians is so normalised that not only does it get laughed at, it gets shared publicly for clout. If you have to preface a racial slur with “I don’t mean this maliciously but” then you know exactly what you’re saying, so KSI had better not plead ignorance now. https://t.co/MivrZfrYzM
— Madiha (@MadihaBlob) April 2, 2023
Creators must be responsible and know that their actions can have huge implications. Using racial slurs in a casual and fun way aids in the normalization of racism.
Source: KSI
