Creator Drama
KSI Discusses Mental Health After Leaving Sidemen Ongoing
Cover: GenZHype original graphic. All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
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) announced his decision to leave the YouTube collective Sidemen, citing burnout from balancing multiple commitments. This date marked his final Sidemen video. (4)[185]
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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)[184]
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KSI Discusses Mental Health Struggles
KSI shared on Twitter that the weeks following his Sidemen exit have been 'tough' mentally, stating he hasn't been 'the best.' He mentioned that people online have been 'ruthless' but that he has good people around him and that therapy has been helpful. (2, 1)[183]
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Sidemen's Tobi Comments on KSI's Departure
Sidemen member Tobi Brown stated that KSI's departure has been 'difficult for all of us including him.' He confirmed he has been speaking to and checking in on KSI, urging fans to accept the situation and clarifying there are no bad terms within the group. (1)[182]
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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)[182]
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KSI Teases Future Content
Amidst discussing his struggles, KSI mentioned his intention to film content related to the FIFA World Cup, which was taking place across Canada, the US, and Mexico. He expressed excitement for planned content. (1)[182]
Who is involved
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)
Related drama
Sources
- dexerto.com, YouTube: JJ Olatunji KSI has spoken openly about the toll the weeks since his Sidemen exit have taken on him, telling fans online that things have been ātoughā and that therapy has been helping him co, Jun 14, 2026.
- Twitter (original post), Original twitter post by ksi: If Iām being honest, itās been a tough few weeks. Mentally I havenāt been the best but I have a lot of good people around me. People forget I am human. I always put on a , Jun 14, 2026.
- Twitter (original post), Original twitter post by KSI NEWS: šØ NEW DETAILS ON KSIāS SIDEMEN EXITA friend of KSI claims via @DailyMirror : ā¢ The Sidemen knew about his decision a month before fansā¢ He was āfrozen outā before le, Jun 14, 2026.
- theguardian.com, KSI, the social media influencer and Britainās Got Talent judge, has announced he is leaving the YouTube collective Sidemen.The 32-year-old, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, has made football, com, Jun 14, 2026.