The NELK Boys, a group of popular YouTubers known for their provocative content, are facing intense criticism after releasing a controversial video in which they introduced members of a remote indigenous tribe to vapes, alcohol, and smokeless tobacco. The video, titled “NELK Visits a Dangerous Uncontacted Tribe!”, has sparked widespread debate over the ethical implications of their actions, with many accusing the group of exploiting and corrupting the community they visited.

The NELK Boys claimed the tribe had little contact with the outside world (YouTube/NELK)

The Controversial Adventure

In the video, which has garnered over 4.5 million views since its release in late December 2024, the NELK Boys—Kyle Forgeard, Aaron ‘Steiny’ Steinberg, and Salim Sirur—document their trip to a remote Pacific island near Fiji. The group, accompanied by adventurer Forrest Galante, claimed the tribe they visited had limited contact with the outside world.

The video opens with a tense encounter as tribal members approach the group’s boat armed with bows and arrows. After initial hesitations, the YouTubers are granted permission to enter the village by its chief.

The NELK Boys immersed themselves in the tribe’s way of life, participating in hunting and sampling traditional foods. However, controversy arose when they offered the community products such as bourbon, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco (snus), and vapes.

One particularly jarring moment shows a tribe member trying a cherry apple vape pen as the creators laugh and comment, “He’s about to get hooked on them.”

Public Backlash

The video has elicited strong reactions online, with many viewers and social media users condemning the NELK Boys for their actions. Critics argue that introducing harmful substances to an isolated community is irresponsible and exploitative, with some accusing the YouTubers of “polluting” the tribe’s way of life.

The Nelk Boys visited a remote tribal community and got their people to try vapes and Zyns for the first time 😭 pic.twitter.com/ROU6T1fK63
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) December 25, 2024

One outraged viewer wrote, “This is messed-up. Tribal communities are surprisingly healthy and some of them live very long lives. Bringing toxic products to them doesn’t help them.” Another added, “You’re corrupting the tribe. This was a trashy move.”

The scene where the YouTubers teach tribe members to blow clouds of vape smoke was particularly divisive, with some calling it “sickening” and others labeling it a form of cultural disrespect.

Mixed Reactions

While much of the feedback has been negative, some viewers praised the video, calling it one of their favorites from the NELK Boys. Others questioned the authenticity of the encounter, speculating that certain scenes might have been staged for entertainment purposes.

Regardless of whether the video was genuine or exaggerated, its release has ignited a broader discussion about the responsibilities of content creators when engaging with vulnerable or isolated communities.

Ethical Concerns

The controversy surrounding the video touches on a range of ethical issues, including the exploitation of indigenous communities, cultural sensitivity, and the potential harm of introducing foreign substances to isolated populations.

Anthropologists and advocates for indigenous rights have long cautioned against unregulated interactions with isolated tribes. Such encounters can disrupt traditional ways of life, spread diseases, and introduce harmful dependencies.

Dr. James Thornton, an anthropologist specializing in Pacific Island cultures, criticized the video, stating: “Interacting with isolated communities should be approached with care and respect. Introducing substances like alcohol or tobacco can have devastating long-term consequences for their health and social structures.”

The video has sparked mixed responses (YouTube/NELK)

Calls for Accountability

The backlash has prompted calls for platforms like YouTube to implement stricter guidelines to prevent content that exploits or endangers vulnerable groups. Many argue that the NELK Boys’ video, while entertaining to some, sets a dangerous precedent by treating indigenous communities as props for shock value.

NELK Boys’ Response

As of now, the NELK Boys have not issued a public statement addressing the criticism. However, their history of provocative content suggests that they may be unfazed by the controversy. The group has built a massive following by pushing boundaries, but this latest stunt may have crossed an ethical line that even some of their fans find unacceptable.

The Role of Social Media and Accountability

The incident raises larger questions about the responsibilities of social media influencers who wield immense power and reach. While platforms like YouTube provide creators with unprecedented freedom, they also create opportunities for exploitation, particularly when dealing with marginalized or vulnerable groups.

Some viewers have called for YouTube to remove the video, while others have suggested that the NELK Boys donate proceeds from the video to organizations supporting indigenous rights or public health initiatives.

Final Thoughts

The NELK Boys’ visit to the remote tribe has sparked an important conversation about the ethics of cultural interactions and the responsibilities of influencers. While their actions may have been intended as entertainment, the potential harm caused by introducing addictive substances to an isolated community cannot be ignored.

For many, the incident serves as a reminder that content creation comes with responsibility—and that exploiting or endangering vulnerable groups for views is not only unethical but potentially damaging. As the backlash continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the NELK Boys will address the criticism or face consequences for their actions.