Social media star and UK talent show judge KSI has announced his departure from the YouTube collective Sidemen after 13 years.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, has been making football, comedy and entertainment videos with the group since 2013, which has 23 million subscribers on YouTube.
His spokesman confirmed to the BBC that he was leaving after many of his followers expressed suspicions it was a publicity stunt.
«"Honestly, this is the hardest video I've ever had to film," KSI said on YouTube.
«"I hesitated for a long time before making this decision," he added. "I spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do was.".
«"But after much consideration, I've decided that I won't be making any more Sidemen videos. My final Sidemen video will be released today, May 31st.".
KSI, who competed on Saturday's Britain's Got Talent final on ITV, said he remembered the group's early days and that he "had no idea tens of millions of people would be watching us on this channel.".
«"We created something that none of us could have imagined, especially back when we were making random videos together and playing GTA," he said, referring to Grand Theft Auto.
He added that "nothing bad happened" between him and the group.
«"This decision is entirely mine," he said.
«"The last few years have been tearing me apart like never before. Everything else in my life makes me feel like I'm going full speed, 100 miles an hour.".
The group has a combined following of over 140 million YouTube subscribers [Getty Images]
He also thanked each of the other band members: Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barna, Toby Brown, Ethan Payne and Harry Lewis, saying they "deserve someone who can give 100%.".
The group has a combined following of over 140 million YouTube subscribers and have organised charity football matches that have raised millions of pounds for charity.
The group also launched its own chain of fast-food restaurants and sells clothing, alcohol and breakfast cereals.
KSI began making videos in 2008 and rose to fame as an online streamer. His personal YouTube channel has over 18 million subscribers.
He is also a musician, a former boxer and recently acquired a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club.