Logan Paul Is Back on YouTube and Pledging to Donate $1 Million to Suicide Prevention

YouTube star Logan Paul has returned to the site after backlash over a controversial video apparently depicting a suicide victim he posted earlier this month.

In a swift departure from his usual stunt and comedy vlogs, Paul, 22, on Wednesday posted an emotional video of his journey to ā€œfurther understand the complexity surrounding suicide.ā€ In the video, which had been viewed more than 9 million times by Thursday morning, Paul speaks with a suicide expert and survivor, offers advice to those who may have loved ones grappling with suicide, and pledges to donate $1 million to suicide prevention resources.

ā€œI know I’ve made mistakes. I know I’ve let people down,ā€ Paul says in the video. ā€œBut what happens when you’re given an opportunity to help make a difference in the world?ā€

Paul’s upcoming projects were put on hold earlier this month after he posted a video that appeared to show the body of a suicide victim hanging from a tree in Japan’s Aokigahara forest, which is colloquially known as ā€œSuicide Forest.ā€ He was also temporarily yanked from YouTube’s premium advertising service.

The vlogger, who removed the video less than a day after it was posted, apologized for his actions, writing on Twitter that, ā€œI didn’t do it for views. I get views. I did it because I thought I could make a positive ripple on the internet, not cause a monsoon of negativity.ā€