KSI Announces Shock Departure from The Sidemen

‘The Hardest Decision’: KSI Announces Shock Departure from The Sidemen After 13 Years to Focus on Mental Health

LONDON — In a move that marks the end of an era for British internet culture, social media megastar and Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI has announced his departure from The Sidemen, the multi-million-pound YouTube collective he co-founded more than a decade ago.

The 32-year-old creator, musician, and entrepreneur—whose real name is Olajide "JJ" Olatunji, shocked the digital entertainment world on Sunday 31st May, by publishing an emotional 11-minute video titled “I’m Leaving the Sidemen”. In it, he confirmed that Sunday’s upload would mark his final formal appearance as a member of the group.

A spokesperson for Olatunji subsequently confirmed the legitimacy of the exit to the BBC, moving swiftly to dispel rampant online speculation that the announcement was a elaborate prank, a lost football wager, or a promotional stunt.

‘Running at 100mph’

Speaking candidly from his home, Olatunji revealed that the decision was driven entirely by a severe work-life imbalance and an urgent need to protect his mental and physical health. Over the last five years, the co-founder’s independent career has exploded globally, spanning chart-topping music releases, high-profile professional boxing matches, the multi-million-pound Prime hydration empire, and a recent high-profile judging seat on ITV's Britain's Got Talent final.

The compounding professional pressures, he admitted, had left him feeling entirely hollowed out.

“This is honestly the hardest video I've ever had to make in my life,” Olatunji said. “Over the last few years, I've felt myself being pulled in a lot more directions than ever before. Between everything else in my life, I feel like I've been running at full speed, at 100mph.

"Somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance of my own life. I need to focus on fixing my work-life balance. I need to focus on my health and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner.”

 

 

The Empire They Built

Olatunji fiercely stressed that there had been absolutely no fallout behind the scenes with fellow members Simon Minter (Miniminter), Josh Bradley (Zerkaa), Tobi Brown (TBJZL), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), Vikram Barn (Vikkstar123), and Harry Lewis (W2S).

Paying an emotional tribute to his co-stars, whom he described as his "second family," Olatunji reflected on their unprecedented journey from teenagers playing Grand Theft Auto in their bedrooms in 2013 to becoming one of the most powerful media conglomerates in modern British entertainment.

Today, the Sidemen brand operates far beyond a simple YouTube channel, managing an ecosystem that includes the XIX Vodka brand, the Sides fried chicken restaurant chain, a premium clothing line, and a blockbuster streaming deal with Netflix.

The Sidemen Digital & Commercial Footprint

The Group Reacts

Following the video's release, the remaining six members issued a coordinated corporate statement across their official social media channels, expressing shock but offering full solidarity to their departing brother.

"This came as a surprise to us and we know it will be an adjustment for you, but we've got lots of exciting stuff planned," the statement read. "We had an amazing time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours."

While the news has left millions of fans grieving the end of the original seven-man lineup, digital industry analysts view the move as a mature, necessary evolution. Olatunji’s personal slate remains incredibly dense; alongside his television work, his newly acquired minority stake in national league football club Dagenham & Redbridge is scheduled to be the focus of an upcoming docuseries on his personal channel this summer.

The Verdict

The departure of its most famous member presents The Sidemen with their greatest structural challenge since their inception. For 13 years, the group defied the traditional gravity of internet collectives, remaining entirely intact while rival groups fractured under the weight of ego and financial disputes.

By stepping away purely to reclaim his personal life and declaring that the group "deserves somebody who can give 100%," Olatunji has chosen a remarkably dignified exit. The Sidemen machine will undoubtedly keep rolling, but the digital landscape looks fundamentally altered today. The pioneer has logged off the main channel for good.