Logan Paul has returned to YouTube with the ‘most heartbreaking video ever’ after a period of hiatus from the video platform.
The video, entitled: ‘Suicide: Be Here Tomorrow”, was uploaded today (January 24) to his YouTube channel with links to suicide prevention hotlines.
The disgraced YouTube star took a break from vlogging about his daily life after he received significant backlash for posting a video showing a man who had taken his own life in a Japanese forest.
In his video he says:
I know I’ve made mistakes, I know I’ve let people down, but what happens when you’re given an opportunity to help make a difference in the world?
It’s time to learn from the past as I get better and grow as a human being. I’m here to have a hard conversation so that others can have easier ones.
In the video, Paul admits to complete ‘ignorance to the subject’ of suicide and expresses shock at the sheer extent of the epidemic of suicide.
Paul has also pledged to donate $1 million to various suicide prevention organisations, saying:
It’s time to start a new chapter in my life as I continue to educate both myself and others on suicide.
I am humbled and thankful to say this is just the beginning.
At the time of writing, the video has 472,000 views, and almost 100,000 comments, most of them expressing support for Paul and his decision to make this vlog.
One user wrote:
I am actually sooo proud of Logan for coming back so strong trying to learn from his mistakes.
I was very disappointed in him when the scandal happened but now the loganster in me is soo happy and proud of Logan [sic].
Another wrote:
There are millions of people out there waiting for your vlogs… they like to watch your vlogs coz it’s you in your vlogs who gives them happiness but some people forget that sometimes a person who gives them happiness is also a human and because he is a human he can make some mistakes [sic].
Logan’s original apology for the video included an announcement he would be taking a break from YouTube, but it seems the break has ended with today’s video.
Check out the video here:
Logan earlier issued a written apology on his Twitter account shortly after the backlash.
It read:
Dear Internet, where do I begin. Let’s start with this – I’m sorry. This is a first for me. 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. That’s never the intention.
I intended to raise awareness for suicide and suicide prevention and while I thought ‘if this video saves just one life it’ll be worth it’, I was misguided by shock and awe, as portrayed in the video.
I do this sh*t everyday. I’ve made a 15 minute TV show EVERY SINGLE DAY for the past 460+ days. One may understand that it’s easy to get caught up in the moment without assessing the possible ramifications.
I’m often reminded of how big of a reach I truly have & 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.
Please remember: If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phoneline on 116 132.
