Josh Weiner
The rise of YouTube has created a new class of celebrities, with influencers earning millions through their videos, sponsorships, and brand deals. While many YouTubers live out their success stories, some have taken a darker path and found themselves in legal trouble, resulting in jail time. From controversial content to criminal behavior, these YouTubers made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Here’s a look at the Top 5 YouTubers Who Ended Up in Jail.
1. Logan Paul – The Suicide Forest Incident
Sentence: No jail time but faced public backlash
Logan Paul is one of the most famous YouTubers of all time, known for his prank videos and vlogs. However, in December 2017, he found himself embroiled in controversy when he uploaded a video showing a suicide victim in Japan’s Aokigahara Forest (also known as the “Suicide Forest”). While Paul did not face jail time, the incident sparked outrage worldwide, with many accusing him of exploiting a sensitive and tragic situation for views.
As a result of the video, Paul faced a significant loss of sponsorships and partnerships, including with YouTube itself, which temporarily removed him from their Google Preferred program. Though he was not legally charged, the backlash severely impacted his career, and he issued multiple public apologies.
Despite the controversy, Paul made a comeback with the boxing world and continues to have a successful career on YouTube.
2. Onision (Gregory Jackson) – Allegations of Abuse
Sentence: Under investigation, no conviction yet
Onision, one of YouTube’s earliest controversial figures, has faced numerous allegations of abuse and inappropriate behavior. Known for his edgy content and relationship with fans, Onision has been accused of grooming minors and emotionally abusing his partners. These allegations led to an investigation by law enforcement, though no charges have been filed as of 2025.
In 2020, YouTube demonetized Onision’s channel after widespread outrage regarding his videos, and he was banned from the platform for violating YouTube’s policies. Although he has not yet been convicted or jailed, the ongoing investigations into his actions have tarnished his reputation, and many fans have distanced themselves from him.
3. Adam Saleh – Airport Incident
Sentence: Brief detention
Adam Saleh, a popular prankster and vlogger, is known for his lighthearted videos, but he also faced serious consequences for his behavior. In 2016, Saleh was detained by the authorities after an incident at London’s Heathrow Airport. He and his friend had filmed a prank video on a plane, causing a commotion, which led to their detention by airport security.
Though Saleh was not formally charged or sentenced to jail time, the incident gained international attention and led to questions about the safety of filming pranks in public spaces. While his detention was brief, it became a cautionary tale for other creators about the boundaries of public content.
4. Desmond “Etika” Amofah – Mental Health Crisis and Arrest
Sentence: No jail time but faced serious mental health issues
Desmond “Etika” Amofah was a beloved YouTuber and gaming streamer known for his energetic personality and live streaming. However, in 2019, he became embroiled in a tragic series of events that led to his arrest and eventual death. Etika was known for his erratic behavior, which led many to believe he was suffering from serious mental health issues.
In June 2019, he was arrested after posting concerning social media messages about self-harm. He was detained by the police, and after a mental health evaluation, he was released. Unfortunately, Etika’s struggles with mental health took a tragic turn, and he was found dead in the East River later that year.
While Etika’s arrest was tied to mental health struggles rather than criminal behavior, it’s important to note the mental health issues that impacted his life and the broader conversation about creators’ well-being.
5. JayStation – Fake 3 AM Challenge
Sentence: Arrested for fraud and other charges
JayStation, a YouTuber famous for his controversial “3 AM challenge” videos, was arrested in 2020 for his involvement in a series of fraudulent actions. JayStation and his girlfriend were accused of exploiting fake death hoaxes and engaging in deceptive practices to generate views and clicks on their channel.
The couple faced multiple charges of fraud, with JayStation accused of creating fake videos about celebrities’ deaths and manipulating viewers into donating money for his “charitable causes.” His arrest followed an investigation into his practices, and while he was not convicted of all charges, his actions led to a loss of his YouTube channel and sponsorships. He was eventually released, but the damage to his career was irreversible, and his videos were removed from the platform.
Why Do YouTubers End Up in Jail?
While many YouTubers rise to fame and fortune, some face legal trouble for a variety of reasons:
- Controversial Content – Many YouTubers push the limits with pranks, challenges, or content that may violate public decency or legal boundaries.
- Fake or Deceptive Behavior – Some creators engage in fraudulent activities to gain views, such as creating fake death hoaxes or manipulating viewers.
- Abuse Allegations – A number of influencers have faced serious allegations of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, leading to legal investigations and, in some cases, arrest.
- Pranks Gone Wrong – In the pursuit of viral fame, many creators turn to pranks that end up involving public or personal safety issues, sometimes resulting in arrest.
Conclusion
The road to fame on YouTube isn’t always paved with gold. While many YouTubers achieve success and use their platforms for positive influence, others cross the line in search of fame or profit, leading to legal consequences. Whether it’s pushing boundaries with controversial content, engaging in fraudulent activity, or making poor choices, these YouTubers learned the hard way that even the internet’s brightest stars are not immune to the law.
For viewers and aspiring creators alike, these stories serve as a reminder that ethical and responsible content creation is key to a long-lasting and successful online career.
