British content creator Olajide "KSI" Olatunji said Monday that he is leaving the Sidemen YouTube collective [1].

The departure marks a significant shift for one of the most influential groups in digital media, as KSI was a founding member who helped define the modern creator economy.

KSI shared the news in a video posted to YouTube on June 1, 2026 [2]. He said he wants to pursue new opportunities following recent success on Britain's Got Talent and focus on other revenue streams [3]. The decision comes after KSI spent 13 years as a member of the group [4].

Other reports noted that he had been with the collective for over a decade [2]. In a statement to the Mirror, KSI said the process was "painful" [5].

While major outlets including the BBC and CNN reported the exit as a formal departure, some reports have surfaced questioning the authenticity of the move. The Tab reported that the exit is fake and that KSI lost a bet, though this contradicts the primary announcements made by the creator [6].

KSI has expanded his portfolio beyond YouTube in recent years, venturing into professional boxing and business. This transition follows a pattern of diversification common among top-tier digital personalities who move from collaborative content to independent brand ownership.

“KSI said Monday that he is leaving the Sidemen YouTube collective”

This move highlights the evolving lifecycle of digital creators, where long-term collaborative brands are eventually traded for individual corporate ventures and traditional media appearances. The conflicting reports regarding a potential bet suggest the high level of performative content inherent to the Sidemen's brand, which often blurs the line between reality and entertainment for their audience.