Jake Paul's Emotional Journey: From Dark Times to Boxing Success
Influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul recently shared a deeply personal revelation about a dark period in his life when he contemplated suicide following the fallout from his brother Logan Paul's controversial actions in Japan, which cost him a staggering $30 million.
Known for his prowess in the boxing ring, Jake Paul has risen to fame as a prominent influencer, securing victories against renowned UFC fighters like Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.
Prior to his highly anticipated match against Mike Tyson on November 15, Jake, also known as 'The Problem Child,' sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to reflect on his journey to stardom and the challenges he faced along the way.
The pivotal moment that shook Jake's world occurred in 2018 when his brother, Logan Paul, visited Japan and filmed a video in the Aokigahara Forest, infamous for its association with suicide. In the video, Logan encountered a deceased individual, filmed the scene, and uploaded it to his YouTube channel, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.
As the backlash reverberated, Jake found himself ensnared in the controversy, bearing the brunt of public animosity directed towards the Paul brothers. Recalling the tumultuous period, Jake expressed, "I got lumped into all my brother’s hate. It was like, ‘F**k the Pauls. F**k both of those people.’ It was bad."
According to Jake, the repercussions of his brother's actions were financially catastrophic, resulting in the loss of lucrative deals amounting to approximately $30 million. One particularly significant deal worth $15 million for retail products disintegrated due to a morality clause invoked by the concerned parties.
Subsequently, grappling with depression and a sense of alienation, Jake retreated from creating content and sought solace in alcohol and drugs. He recounted, "And so there I am: No money, kind of hating myself, the whole world hates me. I’m drinking. I’m depressed and not having a good relationship with either of my parents or Logan. And I was just like, ‘F**k this sh*t.’"
During this dark period, Jake revealed a harrowing plan he had devised to end his life by driving his Lamborghini off a cliff in Calabasas after consuming alcohol. However, a pivotal realization halted him in his tracks – the refusal to succumb to the desires of his detractors. He articulated, "What every social media hater wants is to wake up and see, ‘Jake Paul killed himself.’"
Instead of succumbing to despair, Jake turned to boxing, a decision that would ultimately transform his life. He credited the sport with providing him purpose, structure, physical well-being, and a supportive community. Reflecting on his journey, Jake remarked, "It’s purpose, routine, health, community — all the things I needed. Since 2020, it’s been boxing’s number one and everything else comes after that. I never really liked YouTube. I was just good at it."
Since embracing boxing as a lifeline, Jake has not only excelled in the sport but has also ventured into entrepreneurial endeavors. He founded his sports betting company, betr, which notably signed Haliey Welch, known as the 'Hawk Tuah' girl, for a podcast collaboration.
Moreover, Jake expanded his business ventures by launching 'W by Jake Paul,' a men's grooming line featuring deodorants, body washes, and body sprays, diversifying his portfolio beyond the realm of social media.
