Popular YouTuber and streamer Desmond ‘Etikah’ Amofah was announced deceased by the NYPD on June 25, following the release of a disturbing suicide video and a five-day disappearance – and some fans are blaming a key figure in internet drama for his deteriorating mental health prior to his death.
Drama Alert host Daniel ‘KEEMSTAR’ Keem is facing ample backlash in wake of the news, with critics accusing him of egging on Etika’s mental breakdowns.
Angry fans point to an interview Keem uploaded with Etika in early May, which he asked his followers if they wanted to see before releasing – in spite of comments asking Keem to “leave him alone.”
Bruh and u say that u felt sorry for him.ROACH pic.twitter.com/s0vh4HOqUp
— Nikola (@VampireD456) June 29, 2019
However, KEEMSTAR is vehemently denying these allegations, claiming that he and Etika became close friends and arguing that he had been “genuinely concerned” about Etika’s mental health.
“A lot of people are looking for someone to blame for the Etika thing, and obviously I am the target they have picked,” KEEMSTAR said in an emotional Twitter video on June 29. “…nobody goes and shows Tweets where I’m genuinely concerned because that doesn’t fit the narrative of ‘You’re the one to blame.’”
2/3 pic.twitter.com/qwQLx33CRG
— KEEM :popcorn: (@KEEMSTAR) June 29, 2019
KEEMSTAR went on to state that he’d thought Etika’s outbursts were merely publicity stunts, claiming that Etika was “fine” when they’d spoken and had been “normal” when he “wanted” to guest star on Drama Alert.
“I don’t know how to explain this,” he continued. “I just can’t explain it. Trust me, I’m beating myself up about a lot of stuff. I am. I could have done this differently. I should have talked to him in the last two weeks. …he didn’t reach out to me, and I didn’t reach out to him. Because, again, I thought everything was fine.”
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3/3 pic.twitter.com/HxjtV96Fkf
— KEEM :popcorn: (@KEEMSTAR) June 29, 2019
Despite Keem’s videos on the topic, fans are still speaking out against the Drama Alert host, with some accusing him of faking his emotion.
Damn nice fake tears you rat. I’ve seen better acting in porn.
— John ‘Jojo’ Wick (@JuggernogWeasel) June 29, 2019
Keem :”You guys turned something good into me trying to make myself look good”
No one stopping you from doing it lol I swear you literally just want the public to be on your side whether doing the charity or whatever, you want little puppets cheering you up saying wow good job
— jessicabee (@kite12345678910) June 29, 2019
KEEMSTAR’s Friday Fortnite event on June 28 saw him give away 30 Nintendo Switch consoles in honor of Etika, with Etika’s ex-girlfriend and popular Twitch streamer ‘Alice Pika’ holding a memorial for him at the Manhattan bridge on June 27.
Wanna Thank Everyone who was here to not only mourn, but celebrate, the Legacy Etika left behind. Words can’t define how fantastic it was to be here, love, happiness and smiles was what #JOYCONBOYZ was and still is!Bless @TheAlicePika and @Ninja__3x for everything. Thank you! :call_me_hand: pic.twitter.com/lhKVOstjFK
— Zekkie:ok_hand::eye: (@ZekkieZekka) June 29, 2019
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or know anyone that is, and you would like to talk to someone, please reach out and call the Suicide Prevention Helpline 1-800-273-8255 (USA) or the Samaritans 116-123 (UK).