PewDiePie, also known as Felix Kjellberg, is a popular YouTuber with over 110 million subscribers and 27 billion views. He started creating content in 2010 and became famous for his energetic commentary while playing video games. However, he has also faced various controversies, including making anti-semitic jokes in a 2017 video and donating to a charity linked to white supremacists in 2019. Despite this, PewDiePie remains a major force in the YouTube community and has influenced the platform’s growth and culture. He has spawned many copycats and inspired a new wave of content creators.
PewDiePie: From YouTube Sensation to Controversial Figure
Introduction
PewDiePie, also known as Felix Kjellberg, is one of the most well-known YouTube personalities in the world. He has over 110 million subscribers and his videos have been viewed over 27 billion times. His content mainly centers on commentary and gameplay, but he has also delved into other areas such as music, animation and vlogging.
Early Career
PewDiePie started his YouTube channel in 2010, while he was still a student at university. Initially, he created content on a variety of topics such as gaming and comedy sketches, but he gained mass popularity through his Let’s Play videos. He soon became known for his energetic and humorous commentary while playing games, which appealed to both young and old audiences.
Controversies
Despite his initial popularity, PewDiePie has become a controversial figure due to numerous incidents over the years. These incidents range from making controversial jokes, engaging in offensive behavior, and using racial slurs.
One of his most controversial actions was in 2017 when he made anti-semitic jokes in one of his videos. This led to backlash from the media and several companies, including Disney and YouTube, ending their partnerships with him. PewDiePie later apologized but the controversy left a lasting mark on his career.
In 2019 he also found himself in hot water for donating to a charity that has been linked to white supremacists. He again apologized but the damage to his reputation was already done.
Responses to Criticisms
PewDiePie has responded to criticisms in various ways including apologies, explanations or defending his actions. He often claims that his humor is meant to be taken in a comedic sense and that these controversies are blown out of proportion by the media.
In a video addressing his 2017 controversy he stated “I’m not going to make any excuses for what I did, but I do want to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry if I offended or hurt anyone and I’m sorry if I disappointed anyone.”
Impact on YouTube
PewDiePie’s success on YouTube has greatly influenced the platform’s growth and culture. He has spawned many copycats who follow his style, and his brand has grown to include merchandise, a book and even a video game.
He has also been a pioneer in the area of influencer marketing and has inspired a new wave of content creators. Despite his controversies, he remains a major force in the YouTube community.
Conclusion
PewDiePie went from being a young student recording gameplay videos in his bedroom, to becoming one of the world’s most successful YouTubers. Despite some missteps along the way, he has maintained his popularity and continued to be a significant influence within the YouTube community. While some may criticize him for his controversies, others see him as a symbol of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.