Sophie Turner in Game Of Thrones | Helen Sloan/HBO
YouTube star Logan Paul began New Year’s Day with a controversial new video. He closed it with an apology.
The new video found the popular YouTuber in Japan’s Aokigahara, which is known as “suicide forest” due to its high incidence of suicide.
During the visit, Logan stumbled upon — and filmed — a man who had committed suicide by hanging.
The video predictably ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many labeling it insensitive and disrespectful to those affected by suicide.
It was ultimately removed; Logan also issued an apology late Monday night. Saying he was “misguided by shock and awe,” Logan explained his initial hope that the video would spread awareness about suicide — and potentially save lives. He vowed not to misuse his power and reach in the future.
The apology did not, however, bring an end to the criticism. Many individuals — including actress Sophie Turner and actor Aaron Paul (no relation) — issued condemnatory Tweets after Logan had posted the apology.
“How dare you,” wrote Aaron Paul. “You disgust me. I can’t believe that so many young people look up to you. So sad. Hopefully this latest video woke them up. You are pure trash. Plain and simple. Suicide is not a joke. Go rot in hell.”
Replying directly to Logan’s apology, Turner wrote, “You’re an idiot. You’re not raising awareness. You’re mocking. I can’t believe how self-praising your ‘apology’ is. You don’t deserve the success (views) you have. I pray to God you never have to experience anything like that man did.”
Turner also re-Tweeted a list of support lines for suicide and mental illness.