Alfie Deyes Apologises For £1 Challenge Video

The apology came after widespread criticism of his latest video.

Alfie Deyes has released an apology after he uploaded a video originally titled Living Off £1 For A Day. He set himself the challenge of attempting to spend no more than one pound in 24 hours. The title was later changed to Spending £1 in 24 Hours, following the backlash.

In the video, the budget was adjusted to only cover Alfie’s daily food expenditure, rather than his complete living and travel costs – which across that day included a personal training session and going shopping.

The original video received widespread criticism both within the YouTube community and in the media, as many saw the video as a mockery of those living in poverty, while others saw it as nothing more than an entertaining challenge.

I usually avoid this shit for fear of being labelled a “bully” by idiots who clearly don’t know what bullying is, but I can’t not say something.

This @PointlessBlog video is ignorant to the point of being offensive and I honestly can’t believe it exists.https://t.co/x5HraVBxba

— Hazel Hayes (@TheHazelHayes) June 17, 2018

not a fan of just hating on someone cos everyone is but wow Alfie deyes video living off a £1 for a day is ridiculous and so offensive to people who actually struggle and are in poverty

— Caitlin Coyne (@caitlin_coyne) June 15, 2018

I see @PointlessBlog tried to feed himself for a pound for a day to see what it was like.

I am so so so so very tired of rich people playing 'poor house' for publicity. Anyone can do it for a day. Try years. No fridge. No lights. No heating. And a kid to feed. It is not a game.

— Dr Jack Monroe (@BootstrapCook) June 18, 2018

However, Alfie has since taken down the original video and uploaded an apology for the video, saying he was unaware of the meaning behind the challenge. As a result of the mistake, he stated that all proceeds he earned from the original challenge video will be given to charity, and added that AdSense was also disabled on the apology video.

He said: “I wanted to take it down earlier on than I did, but I didn’t want take it down without having this video go up, because I didn’t want people to think that I’m trying to just hide it away.

“I fully am here taking the hit saying of course I messed up really, really bad.”

The apology video received a mixed response amongst the YouTube community and wider mainstream media figures.

Unpopular opinion: I don't think Alfie Deyes is the spawn of satan??? I think he's living life in his own bubble, genuinely wants to entertain people, and tries not to overthink things in the moment.

For sure, he made a mistake. I'm glad he saw that and took the video down.

— Luke Cutforth 🌊✨ (@LukeCutforth) June 18, 2018

We're often starved of examples of powerful people getting it wrong and:
– not making their apology about them
– not sugar coating their ignorance defensively
– talking up to their audience and not down to them

I think @PointlessBlog did a good job here. https://t.co/hdlcMoCnK1

— Leena Norms (@leenanorms) June 18, 2018

Seen @PointlessBlog £1 video apology. He's right, he messed up & it was insensitive. Though, I appreciate it when someone can say: "I was wrong." Some will say: "It doesn't undo it." But by publicly apologising, removing & donating the revenue, he's headed in the right direction.

— Gary C (@oohgaryc) June 18, 2018

Respect to @PointlessBlog for a really thoughtful and meaningful apology. We all cock up, it takes something to admit it and try to be better. Looking forward to chatting more, and sorry I went in a bit hard – I clearly misjudged your character. xhttps://t.co/Q9lDrMusMV

— Dr Jack Monroe (@BootstrapCook) June 18, 2018