Vlogger PewDiePie has decided to take a break from YouTube and announced it over the weekend. PewDiePie has become one of the video-sharing platform’s sensation but has been accused of racism and anti-Semitism.
This popular vlogger is one of the highest earners and had more than 100 million people following him. PewDiePie’s real name is Felix Kjellberg. He had some instances when his videos were under fire because of its contents. He, however, denies, that he is supporting racism and anti-Semitic messages.
“I am taking (a) break from YouTube next year,” the 30- year old Swedish vlogger said in a video uploaded over the weekend. “I wanted to say it in advance because I made up my mind. I’m tired, and I’m feeling exhausted. I don’t know if you can tell … early next year I’ll be away for a little while. I’ll explain that later, but I wanted to give a heads up.”
He criticized YouTube on their harassment policy stating that it will not allow anyone on its video-sharing platform to post content that “maliciously insults” others based on protected traits including race, gender and sexual orientation. His reaction to this was “We have this anarchy system. Don’t come and ruin it for us, YouTube,” and he added “The rule is if you do dumb sh*t on YouTube you will get called out on it. We need that. It’s the only thing keeping us sane, YouTube.”
In 2017, he paid two means holding a sign which reads “Death to all Jews”. Soon after, Disney cut ties with the superstar. That also prompted some controversies with YouTube, but his account wasn’t removed. Later on, he apologized for saying the n-word in a clip.
The gunman who was reportedly killed down 51 people in Christchurch, New Zealand mosque shootings referenced “Subscribe to PewDie” during that horrible Livestream of killings. He condemned the murder as the shooter mentioned him. He tweeted shortly after and said “Just heard news of the devastating reports from New Zealand Christchurch. I feel sickened having my name uttered by this person. My heart and thoughts go out to the victims, families and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Just recently, Pewdiepie the YouTube star cancelled a donation worth $50,000 for the Anti-Defamation League. The mission of which is to prevent the defamation of Jews. His reason for cancelling was his choice of charity should be “actually passionate to donate to” according to him.
Unfortunately, he lost his throne as the most subscribed star in May of this year during a battle with Indian music label t-series. Both of them were followed closely by fans.
Kjellberg made millions from advertising and other deals, all thanks to his followers on YouTube. Still, his offensive tactics also have caused many of the partners to sever their relationship with him. This vlogger posts even to Twitch, owned by Amazon, and DLive. This is not clear if he is also taking a break from the two platforms.
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