Controversial Video Shows NELK Boys Introducing Nicotine Products to Isolated Community
A controversial video posted by popular YouTube pranksters has sparked outrage across social media platforms, as members of the NELK Boys documented themselves introducing vaping devices and tobacco products to an isolated Indigenous tribe near Fiji.
Controversial encounter
The video, titled “NELK Visits a Dangerous Uncontacted Tribe!” and released on Christmas Eve, shows YouTubers Kyle Forgeard, Aaron ‘Steiny’ Steinberg, and Salim Sirur traveling to a remote Pacific island. The 40-minute documentary-style footage, which has drawn sharp criticism from their eight million subscribers, captures the group bringing boxes of cigarettes, vapes, and snus to the tribal community.
Escalating situation
What began as an attempted prank involving fake spiders quickly evolved into a concerning scenario. When tribe members investigated the disturbance, the YouTubers attempted to diffuse tensions by distributing nicotine products. In one particularly controversial moment, a group member can be heard suggesting, “Give them a tug of the vape,” while laughing about the situation.
Public outrage
The video has triggered widespread condemnation across social media platforms. One X user expressed their concern: “That was a trashy moves. Tribal communities are surprisingly healthy and some of them live very long lives. Bringing toxic products to them doesn’t help them.”
Another critic pointed out the ethical implications: “The Nelk Boys introducing vapes and Zyns to a remote tribal community raises concerns about cultural sensitivity and health risks. Influencers need to consider the impact of their actions.”
Further criticism emerged when viewers noted that the group departed earlier than planned. “The fact they went there only stayed one night and dipped on all of them when they were supposed to be their longer shows who they really are,” one viewer commented.
The incident raises serious questions about the responsibilities of social media influencers and the potential impact of their content on vulnerable communities. The NELK Boys, known for their practical jokes and pranks, maintain a substantial following across multiple platforms including TikTok and Instagram, though this latest stunt appears to have crossed a line for many of their followers.