Trigger warning: suicide

YouTuber Logan Paul took to Twitter to issue an apology for a vlog in which he shows the body of a suicide victim in Japan’s Aokigahara Forest (also known as “the suicide forest”).

Update: Logan has issued another apology (embedded below), and YouTube has released a statement that makes no particular announcements. They say that “violent or gory content posted in a shocking, sensational or disrespectful manner” is against their policies, and “our hearts go out to the family of the person featured in the video.”

Paul uploaded a now-deleted vlog during his trip to Japan where he visted the infamous “suicide forest”. He and his friends planned to camp there overnight and vlog the experience, but almost immediately discovered the body of a recent suicide victim.

Instead of calling the authorities and leaving, Paul proceeded to closely film the body (though the video blurred the individual’s face) and have a bit of a shouting meltdown in the forest. He uploaded the post on New Year’s Eve, and faced immediate backlash.

Aokighara Forest is a notorious one, as huge numbers of individuals visit the forest with the sole purpose of ending their lives. Because of this, the forest has gotten a bit of an urban legend-style reputation with reports of the forest being cursed and haunted.

In the vlog, Paul explains he wanted to focus on the “haunted” side of the forest, not exploit the tragedy of suicide. Still, people were understandably angry and disturbed over his vlog. You can read his full apology below:

While it’s great to see that Paul took the vlog down, he still did a great deal of damage by exploiting and making light of something as devastating and serious as suicide, regardless of his intent.

If you or someone you know is fighting suicidal thoughts, please find help. In the US, the suicide hotline is 1-800-273-8255, in Candada you can visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention website for crisis center information, and Samaritan offers crisis support in the U.K. when you call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Remember, you’re not alone!

Be sure to share any other suicide prevention resources we may have missed!