The Rise and Fall of Logan Paul: Controversial Suicide Forest Vlog, Fraud Allegations, and a Rollercoaster Journey
Logan Paul, a prominent YouTube star, rose to fame in 2013 through Vine and has since faced a series of controversies including the infamous Suicide Forest vlog and fraud allegations This article explores key events in his career, spanning from January 2018 to July 2023
Logan Paul Steven Ferdman/Getty Images
Influencer Logan Paul has faced numerous controversies throughout his journey to becoming a renowned professional boxer.
Originally rising to prominence through his six-second videos on the social media platform Vine in 2013, Paul expanded his reach by starting a YouTube channel in 2015. Within a short time, his channel gained an astounding 23.6 million subscribers as of August 2023, making it one of the most popular on the platform.
In December 2017, during his YouTube peak, Paul faced criticism for sharing a vlog titled "We discovered a deceased individual in the Japanese Suicide Forest," where he showcased a suicide victim. In response to the backlash, Paul removed the video and released a written apology.
"I should never have uploaded the video," he expressed in January 2018. "I should have ceased filming and refrained from documenting our experience. I made numerous mistakes that I regret, and for that, I sincerely apologize."
Keep scrolling to see more of Paul’s ups and downs throughout the years:
January 2018
“I deeply regret my actions and understand that I have made a serious and continuous error in judgment. I do not expect to be forgiven; my sole purpose is to offer my sincere apology," he stated amidst the criticism surrounding his video filmed in Aokigahara, Japan. "The events we encountered that day in the forest were completely unexpected, and the reactions captured on camera were authentic and unfiltered. None of us were prepared for how to respond or what emotions to experience. ... I am profoundly disappointed in myself and pledge to improve my behavior."
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February 2018
Paul caused further uproar when he posted a vlog in which he used a taser on two deceased rats and simulated performing CPR on a live fish he extracted from his koi pond. As a consequence of this video, YouTube decided to suspend advertising on all of Paul's channels.
February 2018
"We regret to inform you that, after thorough consideration, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend advertisements on Logan Paul's YouTube channels," YouTube stated to We at that time. "This was not a choice we took lightly; however, we are of the belief that his videos have displayed a consistent pattern of behavior that renders his channel unsuitable for advertisers and potentially harmful to the wider creator community."
After achieving fame on YouTube, Logan expanded his horizons by participating in two white-collar boxing matches against YouTuber KSI and Deji, alongside his brother Jake Paul. Despite ending in a majority draw, these fights ignited Logan's journey into the world of boxing.
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January 2019
Paul and his podcast cohost Mike Majlak from "Impaulsive" devised a plan to embark on different New Year's resolutions every month. In January, they committed to a "Sober Vegan January" and in February, they embraced "Fatal February." When questioned about their intentions for March, Paul declared, "We will endeavor to explore the experience of being gay for a single month."
Majlak clarified the plans, saying, “For one month, and then swing … and then go back.”
The YouTube creator responded to the backlash, tweeting: “Very poor choice of words … my fault.”
June 2022
After a guest appearance at WrestleMania in April 2022, Paul announced that he signed with the WWE.
January 2023
“Undoubtedly, @LoganPaul has astounded the entire world with his remarkable skills showcased as a guest at #WrestleMania… just envision the awe-inspiring feats he will accomplish as a legitimate @WWE Superstar. Heartiest congratulations and a warm welcome!” Triple H., an exuberant WWE icon and the dynamic VP of talent strategy and development at WWE, joyfully tweeted at that moment.Paul, the creator of CryptoZoo, has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging fraud and negligent business practices. The lawsuit claims that Paul, along with others involved in CryptoZoo, intentionally chose not to put in the effort and money required to develop a functional game or provide support for it. Instead, they allegedly engaged in a deliberate scheme to defraud the plaintiff and other consumers.
Paul and his team denied all wrongdoings and instead blamed the developers. He also claimed to Rolling Stone that “all deserving parties will be reimbursed.”
April 2023
Paul, who has emerged victorious in three out of seven matches, reaffirmed his association with WWE by signing a multiyear agreement. "Discovering a talent that I excel in, at the age of 28, is truly a remarkable blessing," he expressed in a statement. "Moreover, the fact that the organization believes in my capabilities to further enhance the WWE heritage is simply awe-inspiring."
July 2023
After a year of dating, Paul and his girlfriend, Nina Agdal, made an announcement about their engagement. "Engaged to my best friend," captioned the YouTube star as he shared an Instagram photo capturing the moment when he got down on one knee.
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