Popular Tech YouTuber MKBHD Under Fire For Speeding Past School In Sponsored Video
Initially, Brownlee responded to the criticism by quietly removing the segment from his sponsored video.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 15 Nov 2024, 10:27 AM
Popular tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, widely known as MKBHD, is facing backlash for driving dangerously near a school in the US
The YouTuber with over 19.6 million subscribers recently sparked controversy after posting a video of himself driving a Lamborghini at 154km/h in a school zone with a 56km/h speed limit.
The oversight occurred during a sponsored video that Brownlee published on his widely followed YouTube channel.
While he blurred out the main speedometer in an apparent effort to conceal the speeding, he missed a secondary speed readout on the passenger side, which revealed the excessive speed.
Initially, Brownlee responded to the criticism by quietly removing the segment
In his explanation, he said, "Cut out the unnecessary driving clip that obviously added nothing to the video."
However, the backlash persisted, prompting him to issue a direct apology.
"In my last video, I did something pretty stupid… going way too fast. Absolutely inexcusable and dangerous," he admitted.
Brownlee has since removed the video. However, some YouTube users managed to download the video before its removal and re-uploaded the controversial section.
The incident has reignited concerns about MKBHD's shift from grassroots tech reviews to a more commercial approach
Having built his channel from scratch as a teenager, Brownlee initially attracted viewers with his balanced reviews and transparency.
However, his recent controversies — including a high-priced wallpaper app criticised for lacking added value — have left some fans questioning whether MKBHD's priorities have changed.
Despite his role as a leader in tech reviews, this latest lapse has led to broader discussions about accountability for creators with vast influence and the potential disconnect between brand sponsorships and the values that originally endeared them to audiences.
