Content creator James Somerton published an apology video issuing his response to the plagiarism accusations levied against him by video essayist Hbomberguy. That video has now been deleted, and the rest of his YouTube channel has been made private. What’s more, Somerton’s Patreon “isn’t supporting any creators at the moment.” Here is a breakdown of the James Somerton drama.
James Somerton Apology Video: What did he say?
James Somerton posted an apology video on December 20, addressing the accusations of extensive plagiarism made against him by Hbomberguy. Shortly after, the apology video was deleted.
With Hbomberguy’s four-hour video diving deep into the multiple counts of plagiarism that Somerton is alleged to have committed, with the work of various content creators and authors seemingly being used word for word without any clear credit given, followers of the drama have understandably been anticipating Somerton’s response.
The apology video, a reupload of which has been embedded below, ran for 34 minutes. In the video, Somerton led with an explanation that he had “been in the hospital for a little over a week” after trying “to do something really stupid.”
He followed the attempted suicide explanation with repeated apologies. He said that he “didn’t know how much [he] was hurting people” or “how much harm [he] was bringing to the community” by copying the work of other creators and passing it off as his own.
In an attempt to make up for plagiarizing dozens of fellow content creators and authors, Somerton suggested that he wants to “[look at putting] sources in the videos” and have any money made donated back to those he wronged. He concluded: “I promise going forward I will do better.
Why has the James Somerton apology video been deleted?
Several hours after posting his apology video, James Somerton deleted it. He explained why in the only remaining post on his YouTube Community page:
Earlier tonight I uploaded a video apologizing for what I’ve done but it’s become clear, after hearing from several people, that I am not in a healthy frame of mind to be posting anything online. I only returned home from the hospital yesterday so I should have never filmed it. I have deleted the video, but I’m sure it has been downloaded and will be shared by others online. I promise to apologize properly and in detail when I’m more mentally stable. Until then please know that I AM sorry.
Up until its deletion, the video was receiving an overall negative response.
James Somerton apology video response and reactions
The response to the James Somerton apology video from fellow creators hasn’t been positive.
Common criticisms include how Somerton leads by discussing his visit to the hospital. Commenters also note how Somerton is quick to blame his writer/editor and never really acknowledges the full extent of his own actions.
Jessie Gender was one of the first video essayists to respond to James Somerton’s apology video. She posted a video to her “After Dark” second channel explaining her disappointment in the apology:
She believes that, after causing so much harm to the community, James Somerton’s “career is done.” She concluded that: “Physically and mentally, [she] wishes James nothing but the best.” However, “[She] wishes nothing but bad things for his career, especially in this field.”
James Somerton’s Patreon: Is it still active?
James Somerton did briefly put his Patreon back up and allowed people to donate. However, at the time of writing, it has been deactivated.
Heading to James Somerton’s Patreon page currently shows the message: “This member isn’t supporting any creators at the moment.” It also hides how many people are currently donating to him and how much money he makes monthly.
Twitter users Lady Emily and Eric Ravenscraft have pointed out how Patreon users could still be charged if Somerton reactivates his Patreon before the next billing date:
Following the post to his YouTube Community tab on his channel, Somerton has not made any public statements or shown any activity on social media.
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