Love Island's Maya Jama ignites feud with KSI and Sidemen

Maya Jama has found herself at the center of a heated dispute with KSI and the Sidemen after making a throwaway remark about their private school backgrounds.

The Love Island host, 30, appeared on the The Chunkz Show podcast with her friend Chunkz (Amin Mohamed), and a casual comment she made spiraled into a tense exchange between her and the YouTube stars.

During the podcast, Maya was asked whether she preferred Beta Squad or Sidemen, the two popular British YouTube collectives. She confirmed that she was closer to Beta Squad, mentioning her friendship with members like Chunkz and Tobi Brown, and saying, "It's a very clear Beta Squad for me." Maya went on to explain that while she got along with KSI and Tobi, she didn’t have much of a connection with the rest of the Sidemen, referring to them as having a "private school, different upbringing."

Chunkz jokingly added, "Not your kind of people," and Maya responded, "No offence, they smashed it well done from being rich." Her offhand comment about Sidemen's private school background and wealth didn’t sit well with the group.

KSI and his Sidemen members quickly addressed the remark on their own podcast. KSI started the discussion by mentioning Maya's comment, with Ethan Payne particularly vocal in his response. Ethan criticized Maya for assuming things about their backgrounds, sharing personal stories of hardship, including his father’s struggles. KSI, while agreeing with Ethan’s frustration, clarified that only he and Simon Minter had attended private school and explained the hard work his family put in to afford it.

Taking to the TikTok comments, she wrote: '"As people who talk on podcasts, you should know more than anyone about context! Why are you rattled.

'I was asked who I preferred and CLEARLY said I don't know you, I only mentioned private school because Chunks did earlier and I said 'congratulations on being rich' not coming from money'.

Taking aim at Ethan's swipe at her, she concluded: 'Mind how you're talking though Ethan.' 

The exchange continues to stir up tension, with both sides standing firm in their views.