Creator Drama
KSI Discusses Mental Health After Leaving Sidemen
No new developments since Jun 14
Via KSI on YouTube All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 5 events from May 31, 2026 to Jun 14, 2026, drawn from 3 sources.
Tracked by GenZHype: Olajide Olatunji's Instagram account (@ksi) had 12.9 million followers on September 25, 2026 and 12.8 million on November 1, 2026. Instagram shows follower counts from 10,000 up rounded.
Tracked by GenZHype: Olajide Olatunji's TikTok account (@ksi) had 12,114,233 followers on September 25, 2026 and 12,080,358 on November 1, 2026.
Tracked by GenZHype: Olajide Olatunji's YouTube channel (KSI Music) had 24.8 million subscribers on October 3, 2026 and 24.7 million on November 14, 2026, and its videos gained 4.28 million views in that time. YouTube shows subscriber counts rounded.
“If I’m being honest, it’s been a tough few weeks. Mentally I haven’t been the best, but I have a lot of good people around me,”
via dexerto.com
Background
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, announced his departure from the YouTube collective Sidemen on May 31, 2026. He cited burnout from trying to balance Sidemen commitments with his music career, TV appearances, Prime drink business, and family life. The Sidemen, a group formed in 2013, consists of KSI, Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne, and Harry Lewis, and has a significant YouTube following.
The decision to leave was reportedly difficult for KSI, who described the Sidemen as a 'second family' and expressed gratitude for the shared experiences over more than a decade. He mentioned that the group had achieved significant milestones together, including selling out arenas and stadiums and creating content for Netflix.
The timeline
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KSI Announces Departure from Sidemen
Olajide Olatunji (KSI) reportedly announced his decision to leave the YouTube collective Sidemen, and was quoted as citing burnout from balancing multiple commitments. This date reportedly marked his final Sidemen video. (4)[3]
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Allegations of Sidemen Knowing of Exit in Advance
A friend of KSI claimed via Twitter that the Sidemen knew about his decision to leave a month before it was publicly announced. Allegations also surfaced that KSI was 'frozen out' before his departure and had to stay in a different hotel from other members at an event. (3)[2]
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Sidemen's Tobi Comments on KSI's Departure
Sidemen member Tobi Brown reportedly stated that KSI's departure has been 'difficult for all of us including him.' He also reportedly confirmed he has been speaking to and checking in on KSI, appearing to urge fans to accept the situation and clarify there are no bad terms within the group. (1)[1]
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Reported Compromise for Sidemen Appearances Rejected
Sources claimed that a proposed compromise for KSI to reduce his Sidemen appearances to once every two weeks was reportedly shut down, leading to 'furious messages' from some members. (1)[1]
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KSI Teases Future Content
Amidst discussing his struggles, KSI reportedly mentioned his intention to film content related to the FIFA World Cup, which was taking place across Canada, the US, and Mexico. He reportedly expressed excitement for planned content.[1]
Who is involved
British YouTube personality, rapper, actor, and boxer JJ Olatunji
British YouTube personality, rapper, actor, and boxer
Frequently asked
Why did KSI leave the Sidemen?
KSI announced his departure from the Sidemen on May 31, 2026, citing burnout from trying to balance Sidemen commitments with his music career, TV appearances, Prime drink business, and family life. (1, 4)
How is KSI coping after leaving the Sidemen?
KSI has stated that the weeks following his departure have been mentally tough and that he has been receiving help from therapy. He also mentioned having good people around him. (1, 2)
Are there any remaining conflicts between KSI and the Sidemen?
Sidemen member Tobi Brown has stated that there are no bad terms within the group and that he has been checking in on KSI. However, some reports allege that KSI was 'frozen out' before his exit and that a compromise for his appearances was rejected. (1, 3)
More related drama (4)
Sources (3)
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 5 dated events from 3 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “KSI Discusses Mental Health After Leaving Sidemen.”
GenZHype, 14 June 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/ksi-discusses-mental-health-after-leaving-sidemen/.