Popular YouTubers Nakaoka Siblings under fire for insensitive remarks following Hachinohe road collapse
The Nakaoka siblings, known for their comedic YouTube channel with over 1.7 million subscribers, found themselves embroiled in controversy after making light of the tragic road collapse incident in Hachinohe City, Japan. The incident occurred on January 28 and involved the serious situation of a truck driver still unaccounted for after his vehicle fell through the road.
On February 2, during a video discussing their day-to-day life, sister Aya Nakaoka casually referenced the accident, saying, "When big trucks pass, you think about dodging them! I’m seriously learning every day how to live! But it’d be funny if you just died instantly." Her brother, JP, followed with laughter, asking, "So, are you trying to live not to die?" This flippant exchange prompted furious reactions from viewers across various social media platforms, who deemed their humor inappropriate, especially considering the gravity of the incident.
Following the backlash, the siblings swiftly deleted the controversial video and posted an apology on February 9, acknowledging their poor judgment. They stated, "We are truly sorry for the discomfort our remarks caused to the victims, their families, and those involved with the rescue efforts." Despite their attempts to make amends, public sentiment remains largely negative.
The fallout from their comments has affected their collaborations as well. Peach John, the lingerie brand associated with Aya Nakaoka, has officially canceled her upcoming promotional content, which was scheduled for February 12. According to the brand's spokesperson, they made the decision based on the negative feedback surrounding the siblings’ comments and expressed their intention to re-evaluate their association with Aya.
The abrupt decision reflects growing concerns around the influence of high-profile social media personalities and their responsibilities. Many feel the Nakaoka siblings failed to recognize the serious nature of discussing tragic events such as this one.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Aya's remarks have stirred controversy. Last year, she faced backlash for comments made during another video concerning small eateries, where her loud criticisms caught the attention of the restaurant owner and led to her public apology. Observers have noted a pattern of questionable humor surrounding this duo's approach to content.
Public relations experts have commented on the dangers of content creators not valuing the sensitivity of topics they cover, particularly when large audiences are involved. The power of humor, they suggest, must be balanced against the impact of words on those affected by real-life tragedies.
Social media reactions have ranged from expressions of disappointment to outright disgust, with many calling for accountability and stressing the importance of considering one’s words before making them public. "They really should know how to act," pointed out one social media user. This sentiment reflects wider frustration over repeated incidents of public figures failing to appropriately address sensitive topics.
Peach John’s choice to discontinue its collaboration with Aya sends a strong message about the industry's tolerance for missteps, signaling potential consequences for influencers who fail to navigate their platforms responsibly.
While the siblings may seek to recover from this public relations nightmare, it is evident they must now re-evaluate their content approach to avoid similar controversies. Public figures, particularly those with large followings, carry the weight of their influence, and it is becoming increasingly necessary for them to act with care and responsibility.