In a shocking and unforgettable incident from the past, social media star Logan Paul made headlines for all the wrong reasons. On New Year’s Eve in 2017, Paul, a vlogger with over 16 million followers on Instagram, visited Aokigahara, a dense forest located on the northwestern side of Mount Fuji, Japan. Aokigahara, often referred to as the “Sea of Trees,” is known for its serene beauty but is also notorious for being a site where many have tragically ended their lives.

During his visit, Paul stumbled upon the body of a man who had apparently taken his own life. Instead of treating the situation with the gravity it deserved, Paul decided to film the body and make it the focal point of a video he posted on YouTube. The video, intended to be humorous, quickly drew widespread outrage.

Suicide Forest in Japan

In the video, Paul can be heard shouting, “Yo, are you alive? Are you f*cking with us?” at the body, a display of insensitivity that shocked viewers worldwide. The 15-minute video was eventually removed from YouTube, but not before it sparked a massive backlash.

The familiar cycle of internet scandal ensued: widespread criticism, the video’s removal, an initial defensive apology from Paul, followed by a tearful on-camera apology. YouTube also responded, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterating its policies against violent or gory content, especially when presented in a disrespectful manner.

Logan Paul’s actions highlighted the darker side of online fame and the lack of oversight in the race for views and likes. For many, this incident remains one of the worst moments in YouTube history, a reminder of the potential harm that can arise from the misuse of social media platforms.