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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What Happened To Boogie2988?

Steven Jay Williams, popularly known as Boogie2988, was born in July 1974. He had a challenging upbringing plagued by abuse, obesity, and mental health struggles.

Boogie2988 made his YouTube debut in 2006. He gained substantial recognition for his character “Francis,” known for high-pitched, rage-filled gaming rants.

By 2014, his channel had amassed over 2 million subscribers, making him a significant figure in YouTube’s gaming community.

Year Subscribers (Millions)
2006 0
2014 2
2016 3.5
2021 4.2 (Peak)
2023 2.9 (Current)

The Peak of Success

Boogie2988 was a popular figure on YouTube during his peak, thanks to his engaging content, his open discussions about personal life, and his unique characters.

His most significant accomplishment was winning the Trending Gamer award at the Game Awards 2016.

The Downfall

Controversial Statements and Actions

The first signs of Boogie’s downfall were controversial statements and inconsistent narratives that caused his audience to question his sincerity.

He was often criticized for manipulating situations to his advantage and exploiting his past to gain sympathy.

For example, in 2017, Boogie made a controversial statement about the suicide rate among LGBT+ community members, arguing that it was due to their inability to accept criticism rather than societal prejudice.

This statement was met with significant backlash, forcing him to apologize.

The Firearm Incident

A significant event that led to Boogie’s fall from grace occurred in September 2020. Boogie was involved in a firearm incident with Frank Hassle, another YouTuber.

Hassle allegedly showed up at Boogie’s house following a heated online confrontation, leading to Boogie firing a warning shot.

This incident escalated into legal action, and Boogie was arrested in May 2021, charged with “aggravated assault.” He was later released on bail. However, this event severely damaged his reputation and accelerated his decline in popularity.

What Happened To Boogie2988? 1

The Aftermath

Following the firearm incident, Boogie faced significant scrutiny, criticism, and legal challenges. His viewership dropped drastically, and he lost many followers.

Year Views (Millions)
2020 50
2021 30
2023 15 (Current)

Boogie’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of online fame. It underscores the importance of authenticity, accountability, and the responsible use of platforms, particularly when they can reach and influence millions.

Q: Who is Boogie2988?

A: Boogie2988 is the online alias of Steven Jay Williams, a popular YouTuber who gained fame through his gaming commentary, vlogs, and the infamous character “Francis”. He was widely known for his discussions about mental health, personal life struggles, and gaming industry.

Q: How did Boogie2988 become famous?

A: Boogie2988 became famous through his YouTube channel, which he started in 2006. His character “Francis” – a temperamental gamer known for rage-filled rants – became a viral sensation, significantly contributing to his rise to fame.

Q: What happened to Boogie2988? Why did his popularity decrease?

A: Boogie2988’s popularity decreased due to a combination of factors. His controversial statements, inconsistent narratives, and perceived manipulation led to loss of trust among his fanbase. A significant blow to his reputation came when he was involved in a firearm incident with another YouTuber in 2020, leading to his arrest in 2021.

Q: What was the firearm incident involving Boogie2988?

A: In September 2020, another YouTuber named Frank Hassle allegedly showed up at Boogie’s home after an online altercation. Feeling threatened, Boogie fired a warning shot. He was later arrested in May 2021 and charged with aggravated assault. This event led to a significant decline in his popularity.

Q: How has Boogie2988’s channel performed over the years?

A: Boogie2988’s channel grew steadily from 2006, reaching its peak in 2021 with over 4.2 million subscribers. However, following the controversies and the firearm incident, his viewership and subscriber count significantly decreased. As of 2023, he has around 2.9 million subscribers.

Q: What kind of content does Boogie2988 produce?

A: Boogie2988’s content primarily focuses on gaming, personal vlogs, and commentary. He is known for his comedic character “Francis” and for open discussions about mental health, obesity, and his personal life struggles.

Q: What was the public’s reaction to Boogie2988’s controversies?

A: The public reaction to Boogie2988’s controversies was largely negative. His controversial statements and the firearm incident resulted in significant criticism and loss of followers. Many felt that he had failed to take responsibility for his actions, and that he often used his personal struggles to manipulate public sentiment.

Q: How has Boogie2988 responded to his controversies?

A: Boogie2988 has made public apologies for some of his controversial statements. Post the firearm incident, he stated that he acted out of fear for his life. However, critics argue that his responses often lack sincerity and accountability.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What Happened To Shane Dawson?

Shane Dawson, born Shane Lee Yaw, is a YouTuber who came to prominence in the mid-to-late 2000s and is known for his controversial content and eccentric personality.

His career has seen significant ups and downs, with a series of controversies that have led to a notable decline in his popularity.

Here’s a deep dive into his rise and fall.

If you like this then why note check out other “rise and fall” style blogs on Smosh, Alex Day, Tyler Oakley and more

The Rise

Shane Dawson started his career on YouTube in 2008, quickly gaining a massive following due to his comedy sketches, parodies, and vlogs. His early content often featured him impersonating celebrities, such as Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus, which attracted a huge young audience. His channels saw exponential growth, as seen in the table below:

Year Subscribers
2008 100,000
2010 2 million
2013 6 million
2015 8 million
2017 11 million

Dawson later transitioned to creating more mature content, such as documentaries and investigative videos on controversial internet figures. His series on Jeffree Star, Jake Paul, and Tana Mongeau became incredibly popular, boosting his subscribers to over 20 million by 2019.

Podcast Career

In addition to his YouTube success, Dawson also hosted a podcast, “Shane and Friends,” from 2013 to 2017. The podcast had a successful run with over 140 episodes, featuring interviews with celebrities, YouTubers, and social media influencers. It added another layer to Dawson’s online presence and diversified his content, further contributing to his growth.

The Fall

Dawson’s fall from grace began in 2020, when several controversies surrounding his past content resurfaced. A few key incidents include:

  1. Old Racist Videos: Dawson faced backlash over old videos where he was seen using racial slurs and stereotypes. His impersonations, which had been a significant part of his initial success, were now seen as offensive and harmful.
  2. Inappropriate Comments and Actions Toward Minors: Dawson was accused of making sexualized comments and inappropriate actions towards underage fans in his past content.
  3. Association with Controversial Figures: Dawson’s close association with Jeffree Star, a beauty influencer with his own share of controversies, also hurt his image.

These controversies led to a significant decline in his popularity and subscriber count, as shown in the table below:

Year Subscribers
2019 23 million
2020 21 million
2021 20 million
2022 19 million

In June 2020, Dawson posted a video titled “Taking Accountability,” in which he apologized for his past behaviour. However, the apology was not well-received, with many criticizing him for not adequately addressing the issues.

Time Away from YouTube

Following the backlash, Dawson took a hiatus from YouTube. He was largely absent from the platform for about a year, with only occasional appearances on his fiancé Ryland Adams’s channel. His hiatus marked a significant shift in his career, as he had been a constant presence on YouTube for over a decade.

What Happened To Shane Dawson? 1

The Aftermath

Dawson attempted a comeback in 2021 with a video titled “The Haunting of Shane Dawson,” but the response was mixed. While some fans were glad to see him return, many others felt that he hadn’t adequately addressed his past controversies.

In 2023, Dawson remains a polarizing figure. His influence and subscriber count have significantly declined from his peak, and his reputation has been severely damaged by his past controversies.

As of 2023, his subscriber count stands as follows:

Year Subscribers
2023 18 million

This steep fall from his peak of 23 million subscribers in 2019 underscores the impact of his controversies on his popularity.

However, it’s worth noting that despite the backlash, Dawson retains a core group of fans who continue to support him. His videos, though far less frequent than before, still generate millions of views, indicating that he still holds a place in the online space, albeit a diminished one.

Current Endeavors

Since his return to YouTube, Dawson has tried to steer his content in a different direction, focusing more on personal growth and less controversial topics. However, he hasn’t been able to fully escape the shadow of his past controversies. His attempts to move forward are often met with mixed reactions, with some viewers appreciating his efforts to change, while others remain sceptical of his sincerity.

In addition to his YouTube content, Dawson has also tried to diversify his online presence. He’s made several appearances on his fiancé’s podcast, “The Sip,” and has hinted at working on a new series, though details remain vague.

Conclusion

Shane Dawson’s rise and fall serve as a stark reminder of the power and perils of internet fame. His career has been marked by incredible highs and significant lows, and his story continues to evolve. His controversies have opened up important conversations about accountability and the lasting impact of harmful content.

While it remains to be seen whether Dawson will ever regain his former status, his story offers valuable lessons for content creators and audiences alike about the importance of respectful and responsible content.

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