Judi Love criticises KSI over racial slur and says he 'should have known better'

11 April 2023 , 10:42

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Judi Love has addressed KSI having used a racial slur in a recent video

Judi Love has addressed the recent scandal involving content creator KSI, who had to apologise earlier this month after using a racial slur in a video on YouTube.

KSI, 29 - whose real name is Olajide Olatunji - was met with a backlash recently after using the racial slur in a video that was posted by social media collective the Sidemen.

The video - which has now been taken down - saw the group attempt to find the longest word possible from nine letters, inspired by Channel 4 show Countdown.

At one point, KSI suggested that his team were struggling to find an answer. He subsequently remarked: "We need points. I don't mean this maliciously, but the word's P***."

KSI (right), pictured with fellow Sidemen member Harry Lewis (left), sparked controversy after using a racial slur in a recent video

The use of the racial slur prompted a backlash, with both KSI and collective the Sidemen having since issued apologies. KSI has said he is "committed to doing better".

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Among those who have addressed the scandal has been comedian Judi, 42. She wrote about the racial slur in an exclusive column for OK! magazine this week.

The Loose Women panelist wrote: "Last week, [KSI] found himself in hot water after using a racial slur against people of South Asian origin in an online video recording of a game.

"This incident is a reminder that words are never just words. This type of language endorses hatred and violence against a particular group of people, and it needs to stop."

Judi further commented in her recent column: "Having since spoken to friends from the South Asian community, I'm saddened that many have seen this as a trigger."

She added: "KSI is aware of the offence he's caused and has apologised, but he should have known better. We all make mistakes - it's learning from them that makes a difference."

Loose Women's Judi Love has been among those who have addressed the situation (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Following a backlash last week, KSI issued an apology on Twitter, writing: "I wanna apologise for saying a racial slur in a recent Sidemen video. There's no excuse, no matter the circumstances, I shouldn't have said it and I'm sorry.

"I've always said to my audience that they shouldn't worship me or put me on a pedestal because I'm human. I'm not perfect, I'm gonna mess up in life, and lately I've been messing up a lot.

KSI concluded his tweet by writing: "So I've decided I'm gonna just take a break from social media for a while."

He's since issued a further apology in a video, in which he said: "I wanna take this opportunity to offer my deepest and most sincerest apologies for my words and actions."

He added: "In a recent video I used a racial term that is offensive to so so many, especially in the South Asian community." KSI said he was "ashamed and deeply sorry for any pain or suffering that [he has] caused."

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KSI has issued apologies following his use of the slur (Getty Images)

KSI added: "I recognise that I have caused a lot of hurt and disappointment to so many people that look up to me. My ignorance has only reinforced the negative stereotypes that have existed for way too long in this country."

He later said: "Privately I have taken the time to engage in very early conversations with some people from South Asian communities and will continue to do so.

"[...] I am committed to doing better, being a better ally and use my platform to uplift marginalised voices. [...] I am prepared to work tirelessly to make sure I make amends".

A statement issued by the Sidemen read: "During yesterday's 'Sidemen Sunday' a racial slur was said during the video. We accept that it was completely unacceptable and inexcusable.

"The fact the incident was made light of on the show was wrong and compounded the hurt. We deeply regret this and would like to truly apologise.

"We have reflected on this incident both collectively and individually and are truly ashamed that we let ourselves and you guys down in this way.

"We want to use our channels to promote positivity and great entertainment. We stand against racism and discrimination of any kind and we failed to do that. Again we are truly sorry and promise to do better."

Joel Leaver