The most-followed tech review influencer on YouTube apologized after viewers caught him driving almost three times over the speed limit in a video he uploaded Tuesday to nearly 20 million subscribers.
Marques Brownlee wrote in a post on X that his driving was “Absolutely inexcusable and dangerous.” The video showed him driving a Lamborghini at 96 mph, passing 35 mph speed-limit signs and a “children playing” sign, indicating that the street was in a residential area.
Before apologizing on X, Brownlee said that he “Cut out the unnecessary driving clip that obviously added nothing to the video. I hear all your feedback on sponsored videos too.” In addition to the speeding, viewers took issue with the video, titled “How My Video Gear is Changing,” being sponsored content for the drone and camera company DJI.
In a statement provide to NBC News, DJI said, “DJI is aware of the situation and acknowledges everyone’s concerns. We apologize and have been in discussions with Marques Brownlee and his team to address the behavior displayed in his recent video. In collaborating with content creators, we always emphasize the importance of following local laws, regulations, or ordinances. As a company, DJI does not condone driving at dangerously high speeds, especially in a school zone, and any actions that could lead to harm.”
In his apology, Brownlee wrote: “There’s no reason to leave that clip in (there was no reason to include it in the first place) and I would never want to make it seem ok by leaving it in the video. I’m well aware of the Streisand effect, and I know everything on the internet lives forever, but I think that’s the best decision right now.” The “Streisand effect” refers to an attempt at burying a story or information that results in heightened amounts of attention.
Brownlee weathered another controversy in September, after he launched an app for digital wallpapers with an ad-free experience that cost $11.99 a month or $49.99 a year. In response to backlash, Brownlee said the app would be dialing back its data disclosures and the frequency of ads for the free version.
In feedback, YouTube fans suggested that Brownlee was valuing profit over the original purpose of his platform, which is to provide quality, unbiased reviews of consumer tech products. In his 16-year career on YouTube, Brownlee’s reviews have contributed to the overall success and failure of various companies and products. Brownlee also competed for Team USA in ultimate frisbee at the 2024 World Ultimate Championships.
Brownlee didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.