Felix Kjellberg, also known as PewDiePie, is a Swedish YouTube comedian known for his gaming commentaries. Felix started out selling his Photoshop art as well as working at a hot dog stand after his parents refused to support him because he dropped out of college. He focused himself in the gaming world and opened his YouTube channel on April 29, 2010. Since then, he gained popularity for the style of videos he is making and for the games he is streaming. As a result, people always went back to watch his videos, thus earning him followers by the thousands.
What Happened between Felix and Disney
In an article by Forbes, it is mentioned that Disney is connected to PewDiePie by means of Walt Disney Co. purchasing Maker Studios, the network which partners with the YouTube star. Although it is not certain as to what extent Disney's role is in Felix's business, it's more likely that Disney helps in terms of merchandise, or in video and app production.
According to the Verge, the Wall Street Journal found out that Felix had released nine videos over the last six months which contains anti-Semitic jokes and Nazi references. Specifically, it was revealed that in the nine videos, swastikas, Nazi salutes, and shots of Hitler were indeed shown. Also, the video posted last month included that of a man dressed up as Jesus Christ saying that Hitler didn't do anything wrong, and along with two Indian men holding a banner saying death to all Jews. In reading the piece by the Wall Street Journal, Disney has decided to cut its ties with the YouTube Star.
The Aftermath
A spokeswoman for Maker Studios told Forbes that Felix has made a huge fan base because of the content of his videos, however at this point, he went too far. As a result, the company has decided to cut ties with Felix.
In light of all this, PewDiePie addressed the issue by releasing a statement on Tumblr saying that he is not in any way supporting any views or attitudes that promote hate. He goes on to saying that the videos he made were all for entertainment purposes only.
For a person to take a Hate statement and Nazi reference then broadcasts it to millions of people, whether it be for entertainment or for whatever reason, that is definitely wrong. However, the damage has been done, all PewDiePie can do now, is not to reason himself out of this situation, but to start apologizing and hope that people can forgive him.
