YouTuber PewDiePie has apologised for using the n-word during a video game live streaming.
The internet star – real name Felix Kjellberg – explained the word “slipped out” but said his actions could not be excused.
He posted the apology video, called My Response, directly on his YouTube channel where he has more than 57 million subscribers.
Speaking directly to the camera and appearing contrite he said: “It was something that I said in the heat of the moment. I said the worst word I could possibly think of and it just sort of slipped out.
“I’m not going to make any excuses as to why it did ‘cos there are no excuses for it.”
He added: “I’m just an idiot but that doesn’t make what I said or how I said it OK. It was not OK.”
The 27-year-old Swede was live streaming while playing the online first person shooter PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
The apology video has been watched more than five million times. The live stream has been deleted, although many followers screengrabbed the section and called him out as racist.
PewDiePie who rose to fame by posting videos of himself playing and commenting about video games, has previously had to defend himself over anti-Semitic allegations.
In February, his premium advertising links were cut by Google on YouTube after several videos posted by the vlogger were found to contain anti-Semitic imagery and references to Nazism.
At the time he said: “I make videos for my audience. I think of the content that I create as entertainment, and not a place for any serious political commentary.
“I know my audience understand that and that is why they come to my channel. Though this was not my intention, I understand that these jokes were ultimately offensive.
“As laughable as it is to believe that I might actually endorse these people, to anyone unsure on my standpoint regarding hate-based groups: No, I don’t support these people in any way.”
In his recent video he seemed to refer to that saying: “I’m disappointed in myself because it seems like I’ve learned nothing from all these past controversies.”
His statement in full:
“I wanted to make a statement on what I said in my previous livestream. You probably won’t believe me when I say this but whenever I go online and I hear other players use the same kinda language that I did I always find it extremely immature and stupid and I hate how I now personally fed into that part of gaming as well.
“It was something that I said in the heat of the moment. I said the worst word I could possibly think of and it just sort of slipped out. I’m not going to make any excuses as to why it did ‘cos there are no excuses for it. I’m disappointed in myself because it seems like I’ve learned nothing from all these past controversies.
“And it’s not that I think I can say or do whatever I want and get away with it. That’s not it at all.
“I’m just an idiot but that doesn’t make what I said or how I said it okay. It was not okay.
“I’m really sorry if I offended, hurt or disappointed anyone with all of this. Being in the position I am, I should know better. I know I can’t keep messing up like this.
“I owe it to my audience and to myself to do better than this because I know I’m better than this.
“I really want to improve myself and better myself, not just for me but for anyone who looks up to me or for anyone who is influenced by me. That’s how I want to move forward – away from this.
“That’s all I have to say, thanks for watching. Bye.”
