BBC Radio 1 Cancel Airing of Logan Paul and KSI Interview After Backlash – “We understand your strong views on Logan”
BBC Radio One have pulled their exclusive interview with KSI and Logan Paul, because they didn’t “feel it was right”, after backlash from followers on social media.
Radio One is the most popular station in the UK, and had teased the interview on Twitter a few days prior to its scheduled airing on Thursday July 26, where received perhaps unexpected criticizm.
In a now deleted tweet, Radio One teased clips of interview, including Logan saying he is betting $1 million on himself knocking KSI out in the third round, and other fighting talk between the pair.
But, mainly due to Logan Paul’s controversial past, many fans of the show were angered that he was being given a platform on the station to promote himself and the fight, which perhaps contributed to the BBC’s decision.
Although the BBC have said simply that they did not think the interview was good enough to be aired, this would be a strange change of mind considering their promotion of the interview earlier in the week.
In their statement, they also point to the ‘strong views’ people have about Logan, hinting that this was involved in their decision making.
We were going to hear from Logan Paul & KSI on their boxing match tonight.
After listening back to the interview we don’t feel it’s right.
We understand some of your strong views on Logan – but ultimately if we don’t think the interview is good enough – we don't air it.
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) July 26, 2018
The reception to the the announcement has been fairly positive, many particularly pleased that Logan’s platform on the popular radio station has been removed.
Logan Paul is not the image @BBCR1 should be trying to project. Good call, but you should have never lined up the interview in the first place. Especially after claiming to care about mental health.
— Louise (@treegonometree) July 26, 2018
Much of the distaste people have for Logan Paul comes from his infamous ‘Suicide Forest’ video from January of 2018.
Paul visited Aokigahara forest in Japan to film for a vlog, where he filmed the corpse of a suicide victim, including the footage in his video.
However, not everyone was happy with the BBC’s decision, saying they had caved into pressure, and that they should have aired the interview regardless of backlash.
Looking forward to the fight and would’ve been nice to see interviews from both of them. Bit of a shame you’ve cut it due to some backlash from people who prob weren’t interested in the fight to begin with.
— Adam (@AdamYT) July 27, 2018
Oh I bet that interview was gold! Especially with how ridiculous the press conferences have been. You’re just afraid of the backlash you’d face by having Logan on. Way to take the easy way out at least come up with a better excuse than it isn’t good enough
— Brandon Clark (@clarkyyyyy54) July 26, 2018
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The fight between the two YouTubers will take place on August 25, and is expected to take place in front of a sell out crowd at the Manchester Arena, with millions more watching the live stream online.
While the Radio One interview would have been significant promotion, it is unlikely to put a significant dent in what will inevitably be a massive occasion regardless.