One of YouTube’s biggest commodities, Logan Paul, has put himself in the hot seat for 2018. The 22- year-old is being criticized by millions, including: doctors, parents, fans, and even his own friends,  after he recently posted a video of his trip to a forest in Japan. Most people would think nothing is wrong with filming this trip, but Logan went into the world’s alleged most forbidden forest, the notorious Aokigahara Forest, most commonly known as the “Suicide Forest.” While in the forest, Paul saw horrific things that cannot be unseen by him or his viewers as he caught the images on camera.  This horrific image included the body of a man who had just committed the act of suicide. After leaving the forest, Logan gave his thoughts about what he experienced; while reflecting, Logan started to laugh uncontrollably and make jokes. Paul then chose to delete the video from his channel after having it posted for only two hours. 

Mental health professional, Kimberly Williams said, “If somebody watched the video and is experiencing distress, this could escalate their distress.”  The YouTube star has apologized two separate times, saying he posted the video in an effort to cause awareness and said all he cared about was saving at least one life. In his most recent apology, Logan  told his fans who still support him to not defend him, also saying that he does not deserve to be defended.

This type of video is very different from Logan’s usual videos that show him taking part in activities that are not necessarily the smartest, but more on a level of taking things to the extreme for the sake of entertaining content and to make a profit. Paul makes a living off of doing crazy and dangerous acts that are completely out of the ordinary. He sets the bar high for the popular term “YOLO.”In the YouTuber’s previous videos he can be found ducking and jumping over cars on the highway. He also started an online feud with his little brother, Jake Paul, who is also a YouTuber. Logan Paul does all of these crazy acts in an effort to make a living and get as many views as possible. And these antics have paid off. In 2017, Logan Paul was the 4th highest paid YouTuber, making 12.5 million dollars.

 Other YouTubers who know or know of Paul have given their thoughts on the Japanese forest issue as well, and it’s safe to say that Paul is currently the most hated YouTuber on the internet. Tweets  responding to this incident include: Youtuber Jess Conte, Brennen Taylor, Corinna Kopf, and actor Aaron Paul.The two most notable tweets are from Kopf and Aaron Paul, as Corinna has a direct relation to suicide awareness, after having to deal with the loss of her brother. Aaron Paul’s tweet went viral, because of how jarring it was towards Paul as he says, “You disgust me. I can’t believe that so many young people look up to you. So sad…”

Regardless of if you are a supporter or not of Logan, it cannot be denied that the video was not suitable for all viewers and should not have been posted. Logan Paul made the decision to post the video, and now he must deal with the backlash. 

So this raises the question of, how far is too far? Please comment your thoughts below! Should Logan Paul be forgiven? Should his YouTube channel be deactivated? What will he do after this? Should he continue to make videos or is it time to find a new career? 

Update: Logan Paul is posting again on YouTube after taking a month long break. He made a comeback with a video dedicated to suicide prevention

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

Call 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Textline, Free 24/7 Support: Text 741741