LONDON: British YouTuber KSI visited a mosque on Tuesday days after facing criticism over his use of a racial slur in a video.
Earlier this week, KSI, who is also a rapper and boxer, ignited a race row due to a Sidemen video clip in which he used a derogatory four-letter word for individuals of Pakistani descent.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, issued an apology on Monday, describing his behaviour as “completely unacceptable and inexcusable.”
In a video posted on TikTok, the YouTuber is shown visiting Al-Hikam Institute in Bradford in the UK.
The 29-year-old was pictured wearing a red head covering during the visit, in which he listened to Imam Mohammed Asim Hussain.
In the clip, the imam can be heard saying: “With the intention of malice, even those probably sat on the side, they probably did not understand ... they might have just been like laughed off.
“He is here to learn about what it is, he has never been in a mosque.”
The video has received millions of views, with many users praising the initiative by KSI.
“Love this from JJ. Glad he’s learning about the gravity about what he said,” one user said. “I understand if some Pakistani brothers are still upset but he’s taking the necessary steps. He messed up, but he apologized and he’s learning.”
Love this from JJ, glad he’s learning about the gravity about what he said. I understand if some of Pakistani brothers are still upset but he’s taking the necessary steps. He messed up, but he apologized and he’s learning. Not much else we can expect form him.
— MOSK (@MoskieSoc) April 4, 2023
Another said: “That actually made my day. I respect people willing to learn about other cultures and religions.”
That’s actually made my day . I respect people who willing to learn about other cultures / religions
— (@bso0my1g_) April 5, 2023
After receiving backlash from fans on social media, YouTube group Sidemen, of which KSI is a member, took down the video from their channel, which has 18 million subscribers.
Sidemen and KSI issued apologies in the wake of the controversy.
In a statement posted on his personal Twitter, KSI also added that he would take a break from social media.
“I’m not perfect. I’m going to mess up in life and lately I’ve been messing up a lot,” he said.
“So I’ve decided I’m going to just take a break from social media for a while.”
