Smush2

I’ve stayed quiet over the last few days, but I feel like I need to say something. Since JJ’s announcement, I’ve received thousands of messages. Criticism comes with the job and people are entitled to their opinions. What isn’t okay is the racial abuse, messages telling me to kill myself, and people warning me to “watch out” over a decision that wasn’t mine to make. The narrative that I’ve somehow recently appeared and had a major influence over this decision is very very strange to me. This year marks almost 11 years of working alongside JJ. I wasn’t just brought in recently, and I certainly wasn’t brought in to convince JJ to become someone he’s not. Long before any recent changes, I was there from the FIFA days, the boxing, the Epic Sax Guy performance, the vlogs, the dramas, the wins, the losses and everything in between, I’ve been lucky enough to witness and help document a huge part of JJ’s journey. For those who don’t know, one of the starting points of my career was working with the boys. I’ve worked on content across both JJ’s channels and Sidemen projects for over a decade. Some of my earliest opportunities came through them, and I’ll always be grateful for that. That’s why it’s strange seeing people talk as if I’ve suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The Sidemen played a huge role in my career and I’ll always be grateful for everything they did for me. The idea that I’ve spent years helping build content around JJ and the Sidemen, only to suddenly turn up and start pulling strings behind the scenes, just doesn’t reflect reality. The reality is simple. JJ is his own man. Anyone who has worked with him knows that. He makes his own decisions and always has. You don’t have to agree with his decision. You don’t have to like it. That’s completely fair. But blaming people around him because you’re upset doesn’t make it true. Almost 11 years ago, JJ gave me an opportunity that changed my life. I’ve stood by him through every chapter since, and I’m not going to apologise for continuing to support someone I’ve worked alongside for over a decade. I understand emotions are high right now because people care. That’s a testament to what JJ and the Sidemen built over the years. Nothing but love and respect for JJ, the Sidemen boys, the team, and the fans who have supported all of us over the years ❤️