Logan Paul has released an apology video, but we’re going to need a LOT more from him
For those just learning the name “Logan Paul” today, here’s the gist of what you need to know real fast, before we dive into Logan Paul’s lackluster apology video for his latest dangerous and harmful video. The YouTube personality, who has been checked before for stupid stunts, recently traveled to Japan and visited the infamous Suicide Forest. While inside the forest, Paul came across the body of a recent suicide victim, who had hanged himself, and filmed it, which is incredibly triggering and completely irresponsible. Not only that, but Paul then clearly disrespects the deceased by laughing at the situation.
There are so, so many things wrong with Paul’s latest actions. The video was on YouTube for roughly a day (and was also featured on YouTube’s trending page, even though it violated the terms of service) before it started gaining traction — and with that, immediate and harsh backlash. The video was pulled from the site, and Paul tweeted out an apology, trying to explain that he’s never “made a mistake like this before” and that he didn’t film this “for views” and that he “intended to raise awareness for suicide and suicide prevention with this video,” which actually doesn’t come across in the video (even though Paul does link to prevention hotlines).
It was only a matter of time before he posted a follow-up to his idiotic video, and that time is now. Paul has once again taken to YouTube to offer up a meek 1:44 apology video titled, “So sorry.”
In the video, he states that he doesn’t expect to be forgiven and is simply here to apologize. He blames his reactions in the forest on the fact that he didn’t know how to react, and while that is certainly understandable, it doesn’t account for the fact that he still uploaded the unedited video to YouTube for his 15 million subscribers to view, many of whom are young children.
While everyone can decide for themselves if they accept this so called “apology” or not, the bigger issue remains that Paul needs to be held accountable for his actions, and the ripple of hurt he’s now caused on the internet. Twitter is not having it.
so like bc Logan Paul had red rimmed eyes and said “I’m sorry” we should just all forgive him bc hes “just a kid who makes mistakes” no hell no hes 22 he’s an adult who POSTED the video. If he didn’t think it was wrong until people called him out something’s seriously wrong w/him
— kaitlyn (@Kaityyyyyyyyy) January 2, 2018
I spoke to a woman whose 13-year-old son watched Logan Paul's video. His father - her husband - took his own life just under ten years ago.
She sent me this letter to explain why the video had traumatised him and worried her so much. pic.twitter.com/chGLwJhl7f— Stephen Jones (@SteveJonesPA) January 2, 2018
Dear @LoganPaul pic.twitter.com/kM3YZkPl0f
— Casey Neistat (@CaseyNeistat) January 2, 2018
logan paul said he wasnt thinking.... you know how much thinking go into going to film a video,filming a video then, exporting the video, then looking over clips, then editing the video, then reviewing the video, uploading it then titling it
— blank (@ezpiniar) January 2, 2018
The comments on Logan Paul's new apology video actually make me fear for future generations. How can people still blindly follow him after this? He's leading a new generation of people showing ignorance to important issues and it's really not okay pic.twitter.com/W5W89pZgk2
— Nat
// 138 days (@stilinskimpala) January 2, 2018
Pretty sickened by the Logan Paul video and don’t think the apology is sufficient. My brother is a 13-year-old fan of his and as he goes through angst, I wouldn’t want him subjected to people laughing off suicide. It’s serious and that video is disgusting.
— Jacob Wolf (@JacobNWolf) January 2, 2018
I just can’t imagine thinking it’s okay to film a suicide, saying it wasn’t for clickbait, and then backing up your apology statement by saying “I get views anyway”...
— James Charles (@jamescharles) January 2, 2018
Logan Paul is a pain tourist. And his “apology”—that he films a new 15-minute video every day for fans—is one of my huge fears come to life. That the endorphin rush that comes with social media “fame” breeds reckless indifference to basic humanity. That video has a cost.
— Stephanie Buck (@StephMBuck) January 2, 2018
Do not post me his new apology video. This is something that I won’t forgive. No apology can undo this behaviour. What I want to say is if anyone is suffering with mental illness, i love you and you are never alone. Please speak to people around you and never feel ashamed.
— Daz Black (@daz_black) January 2, 2018
While this apology video is a good way to start, it should be just that — a start for Paul to really reflect and properly respond to his actions and how they’ve hurt others. There’s so much more he can do, and a 90-second YouTube video just isn’t enough.
If you or anyone you know is dealing with thoughts of suicide, you can reach The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255, and you find out more things to help loved ones or yourself right here.
