Logan Paul returns with a pledge to donate to suicide prevention

Picture of Aokigahara Forest from Wikimedia CommonsWikimedia Commons/Simon Desmarais

After getting roasted for his infamous suicide forest vlog, Logan Paul decided to take some time off of YouTube and reflect on his actions. After several weeks of laying low, Paul returned with a suicide awareness video, an apology, and a promise to donate $1,000,000 to suicide prevention.

The video was uploaded to Paul's channel Logan Paul Vlogs on Jan. 24.

In the video, Paul made an effort to talk to the man who attempted suicide in the past. The man explained how he felt alone and how he jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge. Paul listened to his experience, and said that he wanted to learn from it. While Paul was still criticized by some – despite his efforts to make amends – many of his past fans and other people were happy to see his change of heart. Plenty of people were also glad to see that he was turning a mistake into a teachable moment.

His video titled "Suicide: Be Here Tomorrow" also included links to National Suicide Hotlines and other places where people facing problems or depression could go to in order to get help.

Paul also sat down with Dr. John Drapper, the director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. "We have to change the conversation publicly from just focusing on suicide and how something bad is happening, and say what do we do about it? Help people understand that the first thing they need to do is reach out and talk to somebody when they're feeling in despair." Drapper explained.

After his talk with Drapper, Paul then went on to give people tips on how to be there for people in need. Paul then ended his video by stating he wanted to help and to get involved in the conversation. He then explained that his $1,000,000 donation would be split between different suicide prevention groups but that the first $250,000 would go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

On Dec. 31, 2017, Paul and his friends ventured out into the Aokigahara Forest. Known as the Sea of Trees or Suicide Forest, they entered the restricted area and found a dead body hanging from a tree. Paul included the body in his Vlog and was instantly criticized by online communities and celebrities alike. The Aokigahara Vlog was what lead to Paul's break from YouTube.