Logan Paul’s suicide forest video refers to a December 31, 2017 YouTube upload showing the body of an apparent suicide victim in Japan’s Aokigahara forest. The footage sparked global outrage, led to an apology, and prompted YouTube to suspend his advertising privileges.
The incident remains one of the most consequential controversies in YouTube history, reshaping conversations about creator responsibility and platform accountability.
Background: The Aokigahara Forest
Aokigahara Forest sits at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan and is known for its dense trees and striking views . The location has also gained international recognition as a frequent site of suicides, commonly referred to as the “suicide forest” .
Japanese authorities have implemented measures to prevent suicides there, including security cameras at forest entrances and patrols by volunteers . The forest has been the subject of documentaries and books exploring its history and cultural significance .
The Video and Its Immediate Impact
On December 31, 2017, Logan Paul uploaded a video titled “We found a dead body in the Japanese Suicide Forest” . The footage showed Paul and his companions hiking through Aokigahara when they encountered a man who appeared to have died by hanging .
While the victim’s face was blurred, other parts of the body were visible. Paul and his group were recorded reacting with shock and laughter . The video accumulated over 6 million views within its first day before Paul removed it .
YouTube later stated that the video violated its community guidelines, which prohibit violent or gory content presented in a shocking or disrespectful manner .
The Apologies
Paul issued a written apology on Twitter on January 1, 2018, stating he was “sorry” and that he had not intended to cause harm . The following day, he posted a video apology titled “So Sorry,” in which he acknowledged a “severe and continuous lapse in judgment” .
“I don’t expect to be forgiven. I’m simply here to apologize,” Paul said in the video . He also asked his fans to stop defending his actions, stating they “do not deserve to be defended” .
In the same apology, Paul said the video “should never have been posted or even filmed” . He described the reactions shown as “raw and unfiltered” but acknowledged he should have stopped recording .
YouTube’s Response and Consequences
On January 10, 2018, YouTube announced it was removing Paul’s channels from Google Preferred, its premium advertising program for top creators . The platform also dropped him from the fourth season of the YouTube Red series Foursome and placed his new Originals projects on hold .
YouTube issued a statement saying it was “upset by the video” and that “suicide is not a joke, nor should it ever be a driving force for views” . The company confirmed Paul received a strike for violating community guidelines .
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Paul estimated he lost approximately $5 million in revenue due to the fallout . Advertisers were initially given the option to opt out of his content, and his channel remained on a 90-day probation period .
The $1 Million Pledge and Return
On January 24, 2018, Paul returned to YouTube with a video titled “Suicide: Be Here Tomorrow” . In the seven-minute video, he spoke with suicide survivor Kevin Hines and Dr. John Draper, director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline .
Paul pledged $1 million to suicide prevention organizations, with the first $250,000 going to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline . He stated, “It’s time to start a new chapter in my life as I continue to educate both myself and others on suicide” .
Aftermath and Long-Term Reflections
Paul eventually rebuilt his career, transitioning into professional boxing, WWE, and co-founding the Prime beverage brand. In a 2025 interview on Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story” podcast, he reflected on the incident .
“I basically lost everything that I spent the last 11 years building. I deserved it,” Paul said . He added that the fallout forced him to ask “how and why that happened” and described the experience as leading him down a path of self-reflection .
The incident has continued to resurface in later years. In November 2025, Paul walked off the set of his Impaulsive podcast after guest Tana Mongeau and co-host Mike Majlak made a joke referencing the Aokigahara forest . In January 2025, he also objected when WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman opened a podcast with the phrase “how’s it hanging” .
Key Lessons and Context
The controversy highlighted the ethical responsibilities of creators with large audiences, particularly when handling sensitive subject matter like suicide . YouTube faced criticism for its delayed response, with observers noting the video was removed by Paul himself rather than by the platform .
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki later explained that Paul received one strike under the platform’s three-strike policy, meaning his channel would be terminated only after two additional violations within three months . This incident also contributed to broader discussions about content moderation and advertiser safety on YouTube .
The Aokigahara forest itself continues to be a subject of cultural and historical documentation, with researchers examining its transformation from a natural landmark to an internationally recognized symbol of suicide . The incident remains a cautionary example of how viral content can collide with ethical boundaries.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988. International resources are available through organizations like the International Association for Suicide Prevention.What exactly happened in the Logan Paul suicide forest video?
On December 31, 2017, Logan Paul uploaded a video showing him and his companions in Japan’s Aokigahara forest, where they encountered a man who appeared to have died by hanging. The footage showed the body with the face blurred, and Paul and his group were recorded reacting with shock and laughter. The video received over 6 million views within 24 hours before Paul deleted it .
How did Logan Paul apologize for the suicide forest video?
Paul issued a written apology on Twitter on January 1, 2018, followed by a video apology titled “So Sorry” the next day. In the video, he stated he had made a “severe and continuous lapse in judgment” and that he “should have never posted the video” or “put the cameras down” . He also told his fans not to defend his actions .
What consequences did Logan Paul face from YouTube?
YouTube removed Paul from its Google Preferred advertising program and dropped him from the fourth season of the YouTube Red series Foursome. His new Originals projects were placed on hold, and his channel received a community guidelines strike. YouTube stated it was “upset by the video” and that “suicide is not a joke” .
How much money did Logan Paul lose after the controversy?
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Paul estimated he lost approximately $5 million in revenue due to the fallout. This included lost advertising income and paused business ventures following the scandal .
What did Logan Paul do to make amends?
On January 24, 2018, Paul returned to YouTube with a video titled “Suicide: Be Here Tomorrow,” where he spoke with suicide prevention experts including Dr. John Draper from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. He pledged to donate $1 million** to suicide prevention organizations, with **$250,000 going immediately to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline .
