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Zoella says sorry after domestic violence joke branded 'insensitive'

 EDITORIAL USE ONLY YouTube vlogger Zoella, real name Zoe Suggs, at the launch of her pop-up store at Westfield Stratford City in London.
YouTube vlogger Zoella, real name Zoe Suggs, at the launch of her pop-up store at Westfield Stratford City in London.

YouTube star Zoe Sugg has apologised for causing any “confusion or upset” with a video that appeared to make light of domestic violence.

The vlogger, who also goes by the name Zoella, made the video with her boyfriend and fellow YouTube star Alfie Deyes.

It showed Sugg jokingly calling for help when Deyes touched her leg. She explained that it was a game she liked to play with her partner when the window was open.

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However, it missed the mark with some fans, who posted messages on Twitter saying it was “so wrong” and “insensitive”.

The video has now been removed from Deyes’ channel, and the pair have both said sorry.

Sugg, whose brother is Strictly Come Dancing star Joe Sugg, said on her Instagram Story: “We've seen a few comments about a moment in Alfie's newest video where I was messing around and demonstrating that I've occasionally wound him up at home by shouting 'help' when he comes near me.

Zoe Sugg Instagram
Zoe Sugg Instagram

"There was absolutely no intention of trivialising a serious issue, we were just being silly, but can totally see in hindsight how that might come across to some people!

“We've decided to take down the video so as not to cause any further confusion or upset!"

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She added: “Sorry to those of you who felt upset about it, that was 100000% NOT my intention [and] not something we would have posted had we known."

Deyes also tweeted about the gaffe.

He said: “I've received a couple of tweets this afternoon from people letting me know that a part in my newest video was insensitive.

“I for sure never meant to offend anyone.

“I'm sorry and have just taken the video down x.”