Influencer and boxer Jake Paul candidly shared that he experienced thoughts of suicide following a scandal involving his brother, Logan Paul, which ultimately cost him $30 million.
Jake Paul has become a prominent figure in the digital realm, largely attributed to his prowess in the boxing ring where he has achieved victories over renowned UFC fighters like Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.
As he prepares for his fight against Mike Tyson slated for November 15, ‘The Problem Child’ opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about his journey to fame and the crisis that nearly led him to lose it all.
In 2018, Logan filmed a controversial video in Japan’s notable Aokigahara Forest, infamously referred to as the ‘suicide forest’ due to its tragic association with self-inflicted deaths.
During his exploration of the forest, Logan stumbled upon a deceased individual, recorded the event, and subsequently posted it on his YouTube channel. This prompted a wave of backlash that also cast a shadow on Jake.
“I was unfairly associated with my brother’s negative publicity. It felt like everyone was saying, ‘Screw the Pauls. Screw both of them.’ It was intense,” Jake stated in the interview with THR.
Logan Paul’s actions in the ‘suicide forest’ also had significant repercussions for Jake.
The boxer disclosed that his brother’s reckless behavior significantly impacted his financial situation, stating it nearly derailed his career. “The incident in the suicide forest essentially destroyed my career and income. I lost around $30 million in potential deals. One particular $15 million retail partnership fell through due to a morality clause,” he revealed.
Faced with depression, Jake took a step back from creating content, turning instead to alcohol and drugs.
“At that low point, I had no money, felt self-loathing, and faced hostility from the public. I was drinking heavily, battling depression, and struggling in my relationships, particularly with my parents and Logan. That’s when I thought, ‘This is too much to handle,’” he reflected.
“I had a dark plan. It was insane. I considered filling my Lamborghini with gas cans, getting intoxicated, and driving off a cliff in Calabasas known as Stunt Road.”
However, Jake ultimately abandoned this plan, driven by a refusal to let his detractors win. “What those internet trolls want is to wake up and see, ‘Jake Paul is gone.’”
Jake Paul has found success in boxing.
Instead of succumbing to despair, he embraced boxing, which he credits with reviving his spirit. “Boxing has provided me with purpose, structure, health, and community — everything I desperately needed,” he explained. “Since 2020, boxing has been my top priority; everything else follows. I wasn’t particularly fond of YouTube; I just excelled at it.”
Since then, Jake has evolved into a skilled boxer and also launched his sports betting business called betr. The company signed Haliey Welch, known as the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl, who hosts a podcast in collaboration with them.
Additionally, he introduced a grooming line for men named ‘W by Jake Paul,’ which includes deodorants, body wash, and body sprays.
If you or someone you know is grappling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-8255 (USA) or Samaritans at 116-123 (UK).
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