YouTuber apologises after filming suicide victim’s body in vlog
If you’re anyway familiar with current YouTube trends, you’ll have heard of Paul Logan by now.
The former Disney TV actor boasts over 15 million followers on his channel, which focuses on vlogs, challenges and titles such as ‘MY ASSISTANT GOT PREGNANT IN MY HOUSE’ and ‘MY NEW $3,000,000 WATCH.’
The YouTuber has found fame with his young following, but has received major criticism for his most recent video.
The internet celebrity is currently uploading vlogs and videos from a trip to Japan.
In one video, the YouTuber visits Aokigahara, also known as the suicide forest due to the high number of suicides that occur there.
While there, Paul and his posse of friends discover the body of an individual who has taken their own life.
Paul filmed the deceased individual and uploaded the content to his channel, where it was viewed by his 15 million strong audience.
The video caused shock waves due to its graphic and insensitive content and Logan is under fire for the upload.
He has since apologised for his misguided actions, saying: ‘Let's start with this—I'm sorry.’
Dear Internet, pic.twitter.com/42OCDBhiWg
— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) January 2, 2018
‘I've never faced criticism like this before, because I've never made a mistake like this before.’
‘I'm surrounded by good people and believe I make good decisions, but I'm still a human being. I can be wrong.’
‘I didn't do it for views. I get views. I did it because I thought I could make a positive ripple on the Internet, not cause a monsoon of negativity.’
Logan Paul and his friends laughing and smiling after discovering a dead body pic.twitter.com/azY7EAiuC4
— JhbTeam (@JhbTeam) January 2, 2018
‘I intended to raise awareness for suicide and suicide prevention…I'm often reminded of how big of a reach I truly have and with great power comes great responsibility.’
'For the first time in my life I'm regretful to say I handled that power incorrectly. It won't happen again,’ he finished.
While Paul did include a number of suicide prevention contact details in the video, the entire situation was perceived as insensitive and disrespectful.
Very disappointed and disgusted, Logan. You have a responsibility as a creator & social media influencer, especially at your size and you still decided to record and post it? And Logan fans, it's OK to stand against what he did. You know it was wrong.
— J (@iCrazyJa) January 2, 2018
His apology was met by scepticism from many.
'How is filming someone’s death a “mistake” then you post it on YouTube? That was not a mistake,' said one Twitter user.
'You CHOSE to do it and you should have known the consequences so now you can face them.'
The video has since been removed, but versions of it and videos criticising its content are still available.
