Shortly after being dropped from both Google and Disney for anti-semitic remarks in a highly publicised video, Felix Kjellberg - better known as PewDiePie on YouTube - has once again landed himself in hot water for not being aware of his audience.

During a recent stream, the highly public YouTube sensation once again took things unnecessarily far by using a racial slur during a dicey moment in the popular PC game PlayerUnknown Battlegrounds. The use of this particular slur was loud and immediate. The stream in question can be found here, though there is a language advisory with derogatory connotations.

PewDiePie is no stranger to these types of controversies, his brand has even incurred substantial damage because of this. With over 57 million subscribers, the public outreach is immediate and though streamers are not expected to be "cookie cutter," it is important to keep the fanbase in mind. This is even more vital in terms of language that has the intent of harm behind it, such as this most recent instance.

Previous instances concerning the public figure have seen similar backlash, including the the reason behind Disney's decision to drop him.

Previous controversies
Back in February, PewDiePie found himself in a similar situation where he was present in a video rife with Nazi imagery alongside two other people holding "Death to All Jews" signs. Rather than immediately apologise, PewDiePie went on the defensive claiming that media has mischaracterized him and that it was simply a "joke gone too far." His apology that followed was not so much for the content that occurred, but sorry that people were offended.

His career hasn't all been critical missteps, he is also known for his strong community and charity work but what is important for figures like him is that once you've accumulated a large following such as his, there is a social responsibility that should always be present. "With great power comes great responsibility," and so should it be with great social media presence.

At the time that this article was written, Kjellberg has not issued a statement regarding the latest community backlash.

[UPDATE]
Firewatch developer Seaon Vanaman took to Twitter with a call-to-action. Vanaman is filing DMCA takedown notices for all Firewatch content with the PewDiePie name attached to be taken down. His statements can be seen below distancing himself, and his company, from Kjellberg:

We're filing a DMCA takedown of PewDiePie's Firewatch content and any future Campo Santo games.

— Sean Vanaman (@vanaman) September 10, 2017

There is a bit of leeway you have to have with the internet when u wake up every day and make video games. There's also a breaking point.

— Sean Vanaman (@vanaman) September 10, 2017

I am sick of this child getting more and more chances to make money off of what we make.

— Sean Vanaman (@vanaman) September 10, 2017

He's worse than a closeted racist: he's a propagator of despicable garbage that does real damage to the culture around this industry.

— Sean Vanaman (@vanaman) September 10, 2017

Furthermore, we're complicit: I'm sure we've made money off of the 5.7M views that video has and that's something for us to think about.

— Sean Vanaman (@vanaman) September 10, 2017

I'd urge other developers & will be reaching out to folks much larger than us to cut him off from the content that has made him a milionaire

— Sean Vanaman (@vanaman) September 10, 2017

Posted: Sep 10, 2017 10:06 pm
Related Forum: Media Forum

Source: http://comicbook.com/gaming/2017/09/10/pewdiepie-uses-racial-slur-during-pubg-stream/#1