A storm of criticism has erupted around KSI, the popular entertainer and judge on a major television show, following the resurfacing of deeply troubling comments from his past. The controversy centers on jokes made about incredibly sensitive and harmful topics, igniting outrage from organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of violence.
One unearthed video, dating back to 2017, features KSI jokingly referring to physically harming an unborn child. His mother, present during the recording, immediately challenged the remark, prompting a hasty retraction and claim that it was “just a joke.” However, the damage was already done, and the clip quickly spread online, fueling a wave of condemnation.
Lucy Duckworth, representing The Survivors Trust, powerfully stated that trivializing rape “creates violence and leads to loss of life.” She emphasized the profound harm caused by joking about such experiences, asserting that those who haven’t lived through it should refrain from commenting altogether. The organization’s stance underscores the gravity of the situation and the real-world consequences of minimizing trauma.
Another video, also from 2017, revealed KSI making a disturbing joke about hitting pregnant women. This revelation prompted a strong response from Women’s Aid, who condemned the comments as “never acceptable,” even when presented as humor. They highlighted the increased vulnerability of pregnant women to domestic abuse and the dangerous message such “jokes” send.
Those close to KSI have acknowledged the problematic nature of the past videos, stating that he deeply regrets the language used and recognizes it was “stupid and wrong.” They emphasize a significant evolution in his character and values over the past decade, claiming the comments no longer reflect who he is today.
This isn’t an isolated incident. KSI’s history as a content creator has been repeatedly scrutinized, with past controversies including the use of a racial slur in 2023 and a sexism scandal in 2013 involving lewd comments and derogatory language towards women. These recurring issues raise questions about a pattern of behavior and the responsibility of public figures.
In 2020, KSI himself admitted to regretting some of his earlier, more vulgar content, acknowledging the permanence of online postings and the need to confront past mistakes. He stated he could no longer hide from the past, but instead address it directly and understand why it was wrong. This admission, however, does little to quell the current outrage surrounding the newly resurfaced videos.
The resurfacing of these videos forces a reckoning with the content created during KSI’s early years as a YouTuber, and the lasting impact of seemingly casual remarks. It serves as a stark reminder of the power of words and the importance of accountability, even – and perhaps especially – for those in the public eye.
