KSI’s departure from Sidemen triggers fresh debate after group releases clarifying statement

KSI and Sidemen (Imaage Via Getty)

Fans are still trying to process KSI’s departure from the Sidemen, and now the group has shared its side of the story. Days after KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, announced that he was leaving the popular YouTube group, the remaining members released a statement explaining what happened behind the scenes. Their message was aimed at answering questions from supporters who were left surprised by the sudden announcement.The Sidemen made it clear that they respect KSI’s decision and wish him well. However, they also revealed that the exit unfolded differently from what they had hoped. According to the group, they wanted more time to prepare a proper farewell and discuss how the news would be shared with fans. Instead, KSI announced his departure before everyone had agreed on a joint plan. The statement has now sparked fresh discussion online about one of the biggest changes in the group’s history.

KSI confirmed last week that he was leaving the Sidemen after spending more than a decade with the group. He explained that he could no longer give the team his full attention and felt it was the right time to step away.After several days of speculation, the Sidemen responded with a detailed statement on social media. The group said, “We want to start this by saying that we as the Sidemen wish JJ the best and respect his decision to leave. We will be forever grateful for the amazing moments and memories we’ve shared together.”The statement also explained why it took time for them to respond. “It’s difficult for us to address the situation and has taken some time, because we’re a group and not an individual. We don’t have a spokesperson as such and each of our opinions and feelings differ.”The group admitted they had hoped to give KSI a more memorable farewell. They said, “Ideally, we would have loved the opportunity to give JJ the send off he deserved, a proper farewell video, time for everyone to process it, and a chance to celebrate everything we’ve built together.”They then addressed the timing of the announcement directly, stating, “Unfortunately JJ released the news before we had agreed on a mutual way of letting our audience know.”Despite the disappointment surrounding how the news was revealed, the Sidemen reassured fans that the group will continue. Their statement ended with a message of optimism, saying that while KSI’s departure marks the end of an important chapter, it is not the end of the Sidemen’s journey.