Have you ever wondered why some internet celebrities face repeated backlash?
Logan Paul is one of the names that often appear in headlines for the wrong reasons.
From shocking videos to business scandals, Paul has built a reputation beyond just entertainment. His actions have sparked debates about influencer responsibility and the impact of viral content.
With millions of followers watching closely, even small actions attract widespread attention. Some incidents resulted in lasting consequences that reshaped his public image.
In this blog, I’ll show you the key moments that shaped public opinion about Logan Paul. We’ll look at what happened, why it mattered, and how each situation unfolded over time.
Who Is Logan Paul?
Logan Alexander Paul was born on April 1, 1995, in Westlake, Ohio. He is a social media star, YouTuber, professional wrestler, and businessman.
Paul first gained fame on Vine in 2013 with over 4 million followers. After Vine closed, he moved to YouTube and grew his audience quickly.
His main channel has over 23 million subscribers and nearly 6 billion views. Forbes named him one of the highest-paid YouTube creators in 2017, 2018, and 2021.
Paul co-hosts the Impaulsive podcast and co-founded Prime hydration drink with KSI. He also competes in professional boxing and wrestles with WWE as “the Maverick.”
Why Do Logan Paul’s Actions Spark Backlash?
Logan Paul often faces criticism because his actions appear insensitive and attention-seeking. His content sometimes crosses lines that offend many people and ignores social norms.
Key Reasons for Public Backlash
→ His large young audience makes his influence particularly concerning to parents and advocates.
→ Content often exploits serious issues like mental health and cultural respect for views.
→ Apologies are frequently viewed as performative rather than sincere or meaningful.
→ Critics argue that this approach normalizes harmful behavior and blurs ethical boundaries.
→ Organizations like PETA and GLAAD have publicly criticized his actions and statements.
Over time, these choices have weakened public trust and raised questions about accountability. Platform penalties, lawsuits, and public outcry continue to follow his most controversial moments.
Timeline of Logan Paul Controversies
He has been involved in several major incidents over the years, each adding to the wider Logan Pauldramafollowed by millions online. Each one drew significant public attention and backlash.
1. December 2017: Japan Suicide Forest Video
Paul visited Aokigahara Forest in Japan, known as the “suicide forest.” He filmed and uploaded a vlog showing an apparent suicide victim’s body with lighthearted commentary.
The video titled “We Found a Dead Body in the Japanese Suicide Forest” got 6.3 million views in 24 hours. Paul later removed it after intense criticism.
Public Response
→ Celebrities, politicians, and YouTubers condemned the video for insensitivity.
→ Change.org petitions demanded his channel deletion, gathering over 720,000 signatures.
→ Critics accused him of exploiting tragedy for views and disrespecting Japanese culture.
What Happened Next?
Paul issued multiple apologies on Twitter and YouTube. He pledged $1 million to suicide prevention organizations and donated about $318,000 by 2018.
YouTube removed him from Google Preferred and suspended ads on his channels. The platform also delayed his projects, including The Thinning sequel.
In 2020, Planeless Pictures sued Paul for $3 million. The company claimed the video derailed a movie deal and caused financial losses.
2. January 2018: Past Offensive Tweets Resurface
Old tweets from Paul’s account resurfaced after the forest incident. The tweets contained racial slurs, hate speech, anti-Semitic memes, and derogatory remarks about sensitive topics.
Public Response
→ Media outlets and users accused Paul of showing a pattern of bigotry.
→ Organizations and other content creators condemned the discriminatory content.
→ The incident intensified existing backlash from the suicide forest video.
What Happened Next?
Paul apologized and claimed he was addressing past mistakes. YouTube suspended ads on his channel again due to “pattern of behavior.”
The suspension included other incidents, like his Tide Pod challenge tweet. Ads returned after two weeks with a 90-day probation period.
3. January 2019: “Go Gay for a Month” Comments
On his Impaulsive podcast, Paul discussed New Year’s resolutions. He joked about trying to “go gay for just one month” during a “male-only March” segment.
The comment suggested that being gay is a temporary choice or experiment. This statement quickly drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters.
Public Response
GLAAD publicly responded with “That’s not how it works.” The organization accused Paul of trivializing sexual orientation and mocking the LGBTQ+ community.
Critics said the joke perpetuated harmful stereotypes. Many called for him to educate himself on LGBTQ+ issues and experiences.
What Happened Next?
Paul apologized on social media, calling it a “very poor choice of words.” He took responsibility and invited GLAAD to discuss the issue on his podcast.
4. December 2021: CryptoZoo NFT Controversy
Paul launched CryptoZoo in September 2021 as an NFT-based game. Users could buy, hatch, and breed digital animals as NFTs with promises of making money.
The game never fully launched despite collecting investor money. It used stock images and faced technical problems, leading to scam accusations.
Public Response
→ Coffeezilla’s docuseries exposed CryptoZoo as a scam with 10+ million views.
→ Investors accused Paul of fraud, losing thousands on worthless NFTs.
→ Critics said he exploited his young fanbase for profit.
What Happened Next?
In January 2023, Paul apologized and blamed the developers. He announced a $1.3 million refund program for NFT holders who agreed not to sue.
A class-action lawsuit was filed in February 2023 for fraud. Paul sued Coffeezilla for defamation in June 2024. The original lawsuit remains ongoing today.
A refund program started in January 2024. However, many investors remained unsatisfied with the resolution process and compensation amounts.
5. July 2023: PRIME Energy Drink Legal Concerns
Prime energy drink, co-founded by Paul and KSI, faced scrutiny over caffeine content. Each cancontains200mg of caffeine, equal to two Red Bulls.
Critics said the marketing targeted children despite warnings against consumption under 18. The packaging looked similar to caffeine-free versions, potentially confusing young consumers.
Public Response:
→ Senator Charles Schumer called for an FDA investigation into marketing practices.
→ Parents and health experts raised concerns about high caffeine levels.
→ Critics pointed to social media campaigns that appealed to Paul’s young fanbase.
What Happened Next?
Prime representatives said the product follows FDA guidelines and has clear warnings. They stated marketing doesn’t target minors or promote consumption under 18.
In 2024, supplier Refresco sued for $68 million over a breached contract. The US Olympic Committee also sued for unauthorized trademark use, implying Team USA affiliation.
Wrapping It Up
Logan Paul’s career shows how quickly fame can turn into notoriety.
His repeated mistakes highlight the responsibility that comes with having millions of followers, especially young ones.
Each incident highlighted recurring decisions that continued to draw criticism over time. From insensitive content to questionable business ventures, the consequences mounted over time.
These controversies serve as reminders that actions have real impacts on communities and individuals. The fallout affected not just Paul’s reputation but also the people who trusted him.
What do you think about influencer accountability in today’s digital age?
Should platforms do more to prevent similar incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
