Recently, fans of popular YouTube channel The Try Guys noticed that one of the eponymous guys behind the channel has been edited out of recent videos.
Close friends Keith Habersberger, Ned Fulmer, Zach Kornfeld, and Eugene Lee Yang began making videos together for Buzzfeed in 2014, in which the group tried out different foods or activities like dragging or dogsitting. Eventually the friends decided to start their own business alongside Buzzfeed and their channel has millions of views and over 8 million subscribers.
Given the closeness of the four Try Guys, fans were concerned noting Fulmer was absent from recent videos.
On September 26, a Reddit user, hamilton390, posted screenshots of Fulmer at a NYC club being a little too friendly with one of his employees.
This sparked a social media frenzy, with many fans flocking to the Try Guys’ social media for answers. Fans slammed Fulmer for his infidelity, especially since he was known as the group’s “wife” and constantly mentioned how much he loved his wife in almost every video.
“I think fans have every right to feel the way they do because this situation makes it difficult and uncomfortable to watch old Try Guys videos,” said Senior and Criminal Justice Major Tiara Martin. “I know I was very frustrated when I saw it because the Try Guys used to be my consolation YouTube videos and now I can’t even watch their videos without being a detective. I think Ned’s affair that came to light was a great lesson we learned. No matter how “passionate” someone is about something or someone, they can change. I also find it interesting that Ned knows he is a public figure and decided to cheat in a very public place because he thought his actions would have no impact.”
“It’s a very gross situation,” said Cole Swanson, a freshman and early education major. “His whole personality was in love with his wife, so it was really disappointing when it came out that he had cheated on her. I think he deserves the backlash; I think anyone who cheats on their partner deserves the backlash. I also think the woman he cheated with should have had more public backlash. Also, he hasn’t cheated on a girlfriend; it was his literal wife, with whom he also had children.”
“I used to watch the Try Guys, but that was many years ago, so it came as a shock to hear the news about Ned and I’m honestly disappointed in his actions,” said Alaina Betz, senior and history major. “I think it’s fair for him to get backlash from his fans. His whole acting persona revolved around the love he had for his wife. It’s a betrayal on many levels. Also, cheating is bad. I also think the person he cheated on deserved the backlash too.”
On Monday, October 3, the Try Guys released an official video statement on their channel, revealing that they had fired Fulmer from their company after learning of his infidelity.
In the video, they said they were “just as shocked” as fans were by the situation and that Fulmer’s behavior “is not what we stand for.”
On the same day the video was released, Fulmer himself posted a statement on Instagram apologizing to fans for his “consensual workplace relationship.” The statement claimed that his family should always come first and that he had “lost focus”.
Many fans believe the statement downplayed Fulmer’s role in the affair. They also feel sorry for the remaining three Try Guys, who not only lost a friend but also had to deal with the damage Fulmer’s actions did to their company’s image. Most also feel sorry for Fulmer’s wife, Ariel, and think she shouldn’t give him a second chance.
“Personally, I don’t think Ariel should give him a second chance,” Betz said. “To me, cheating is inexcusable and trust cannot be won back.”
“Ariel should do what she thinks is best,” Martin said. “I would hate to have people tell me what decisions I should make about marrying someone with whom I have two young children. But if I put myself in their shoes, I would surely leave him and find my peace in this difficult time.”
“Cheaters don’t deserve a second chance because they’re just going to cheat again,” Swanson said. “She deserves better, and I hope she has a prenup.”
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