David Dobrik Issues Apology amid Allegations of Rape and Assault Within the Vlog Squad

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David Dobrikis speaking out amid the current controversy surrounding the Vlog Squad, his popular YouTube group.

On Tuesday, a report fromBusiness Insiderincluded allegations from a woman who reportedly said she was raped during production on a November 2018 Vlog Squad video that was later posted to Dobrik’s page.

The woman, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the group provided her with alcohol to the point of blacking out. She said she was later involved in group sex with a former Vlog Squad member, but was too intoxicated to consent.

After the incident, the video titled “SHE SHOULD NOT HAVE PLAYED WITH FIRE!!” appeared on Dobrik’s account, but was later deleted at the woman’s request, Business Insider reported. The accused Vlog Squad member declined to comment to the outlet, and did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. No charges have been brought.

David Dobrik.Steven Ferdman/Getty

“With the Seth situation, I’m sorry to Seth because, like I said, I just want to make videos where everybody in it whether you’re participating or watching is enjoying and having a good time,” he said. “I missed the mark with that one and I’m really sorry — I truly, truly am.”

Without mentioning the reported rape allegation, Dobrik said he has distanced himself from the accused former member.

“I think with any video I make my main purpose is to make people happy and inspire people and I just never want anything to get in the way of that,” Dobrik continued. “I’m sorry if I’ve let you down and things like that won’t happen again and I learn from my mistakes and I also believe that actions speak a lot louder than words. You can take my word for it that I’m going to change but I’ll also show you and I’ll prove to you that the mistakes I made before won’t be happening again.”

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During his interview with Buzzfeed News, Francois, the only Black member of the Vlog Squad, also opened up about being subjected to racist and stereotyped bits, including one sketch where he was asked to open a refrigerator to find watermelon spilling out.

“At the end of the day, what I really wanted was respect. I’m tired of being in this social media space, being one of the few Black people working in front of the scenes and also behind the scenes,” he told the outlet. “It’s all the times I would have to do something degrading to myself or my race in order to be in the room.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.

source: people.com