PewDiePie Apologizes for Mocking Demi Lovato After Reported Overdose
Controversial YouTuber PewDiePie has apologized for posting a meme that seemed to mock Demi Lovato, who was hospitalized earlier this week for a reported overdose.
The social media star, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, posted a comic strip manipulated to supplant Lovato's face over the face of a child who's asking for money to buy a cheeseburger (the post has since been deleted). Eventually, in the doctored image, the Lovato cartoon asks for money to buy heroin, instead.
And instantly, PewDiePie — who's not unused to coming under fire for transgressions like making racist remarks — bore the brunt of Twitter-rage, in spite of an eventual apology.
"Deleted meme. I didnt mean anything with it and I didnt fully know about the situation. I realize now it was insensitive, sorry!" he wrote.
But fans weren't eager to accept the contrition, and took the YouTuber to task.
"Damn boy, you stay apologizing huh? You’re a grown man, one of these days you’re going to have to start learning from your mistakes or we’re going to have to learn that you’re just an insensitive person that continues to not think before he speaks/acts/films himself," one follower wrote, while another noted: "Still it’s no excuse. Addiction is no joke. Imagine if it was your friend or family member. You wouldn’t be happy with people laughing about it and making jokes online. Have some respect."
Lovato's family issued a statement on July 24 that thanked fans for their prayers but requested that they refrain from speculating about her condition. The singer is now said to be in stable condition.
"Demi is awake and with her family who want to express thanks to everyone for the love, prayers and support. Some of the information being reported is incorrect and they respectfully ask for privacy and not speculation as her health and recovery is the most important thing right now," the statement read.