Logan Paul Loses a Huge Social Media Face‑Plant Over a Suicide Forest Video
When YouTube star Logan Paul posted a clip of a dead body in Japan’s infamous “Suicide Forest,” the internet went from meh to OMG, that’s not cool in a heartbeat.
Why the World Want It’s Out!
- • Aokigahara, the forest at Mount Fuji’s foot, is a place with a dark reputation – more than 20,000 people have taken their own lives there in recent years.
- • Paul’s vid showed a 23‑year‑old in that forest with a hanged body. The clip ran for six million views before it was taken down.
- • The video was shot while Paul was sporting a novelty hat and chuckling – a moment that sparked massive outrage on Twitter.
- • People slammed him for turning a tragic death into a “TV moment.”
How Tsundoku Bodies Reacted
@j‑rivoluzione posted: “It’s insane to show the body of someone who died after being depressed. Shame on you.” Another voice, @spiffymiffy1, chided, “You can raise awareness without filming a dead body.”
More tweets piled up, accusing Paul’s stance as “self‑satisfaction” – especially because his 15 million‑strong audience includes teens and tweens.
Logan’s “Oops‑I‑did‑that‑mistake” Apology
In a statement, Paul explained, “I posted it hoping to spark a positive ripple, not a monsoon of negativity.” The comments that followed were largely derisive.
Actress Anna Akana joined the chorus, tweeting an emotional scar‑ting: “When my brother found my sister’s body… you do not walk into a suicide forest with a camera and claim mental health awareness.”
Japan’s Grim Reality
- • Though suicides have dropped since the 2003 peak of 34,427, they still stand at 21,897 in 2016.
- • Aokigahara has signs urging people to call a suicide prevention center, and daily patrols aim to keep the forest from becoming a place of despair.
- • Japan still has the highest G‑7 suicide rate.
YouTube’s Quick Shot
YouTube removed the video, citing the platform’s policy that forbids “violent or gory content posted in a shocking, sensational or disrespectful manner.” Google added, “Our hearts go out to the family of the person in the video.”
In short, the vlog‑star who thought he’d inspire people ended up inspiring a new wave of criticism that reminded everyone how sensitive topics need a respectful hand.
