MKBHD can't catch a break: Here are the times when he got himself into trouble

Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, is widely recognized for his high-quality cinematic tech reviews, but recent months have put him in the spotlight for a different reason. From risky driving footage to a polarizing review style, Brownlee’s decisions are facing intense scrutiny lately. Here’s a breakdown of some of the controversies the tech YouTuber was involved in recent years.

Speeding video sparks concern

In one of his recent videos dubbed “How My Video Gear is Changing!”, MKBHD was seen test-driving a car while driving over 95 mph in a 35 mph zone. This clip led to immediate backlash, with fans flooding his comments section, condemning the footage as irresponsible. Brownlee quickly edited the video, removed the clip, and issued an apology on X, calling his actions “inexcusable and dangerous.” Despite this, some viewers accused him of “covering up” the incident by editing it out instead of fully addressing it in the original post.

Since the original video was edited to remove that part, you can check out the clip below:

MKBHD deletes YouTube segment after backlash for driving a Lamborghini 96mph in a 35mph residential area

pic.twitter.com/ujgkJ5sSdK

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) November 12, 2024

Pricey Panels wallpaper app

MKBHD’s foray into app development didn’t go as planned either. A couple of months ago, he launched an app called Panels for wallpapers, but it drew criticism for its high price tag and intrusive ad structure. Initially, users had to watch ads or pay a high subscription fee just to access wallpapers, some of which were basic solid colors. After complaints flooded social media, he revised the app, offering free 1080p wallpapers and cheaper options. While this helped, the damage to the app’s reputation was significant, with other creators even highlighting their own affordable alternatives to capitalize on the backlash. You can check out my hands-on experience with the app for more details. For those interested, here’s Brownlee’s response video to all the backlash:

Fisker review sparks allegations of bias

Brownlee’s review of the Fisker Ocean electric vehicle also made waves. Users on an EV forum claimed his review was biased, suggesting he tested an outdated software version and questioned his approach. Some fans believed Brownlee’s history with Tesla influenced his review, particularly as Fisker did not lend him the car for testing. Brownlee didn’t respond directly to these allegations, but the incident highlighted the often-divisive loyalty within the EV community, with Fisker stepping in to clarify the vehicle’s updates and improvements.

The Humane AI Pin controversy

The Humane AI Pin, a $700 wearable backed by big-name investors, became another source of contention. Brownlee didn’t mince words, calling it “The Worst Product I’ve Ever Reviewed.” This review annoyed fans of the product, who accused him of being overly harsh and potentially damaging the product’s image. Brownlee defended his position, emphasizing the importance of honest reviews. He questioned whether “bad reviews kill companies or bad products,” reiterating his belief in giving consumers transparent feedback, even when it’s not popular.

Nissan GT-R and car enthusiasts’ outrage

A year ago, on his Waveform podcast, MKBHD claimed that Nissan had “never made a track car,” a comment that stirred up the car enthusiast community. Many jumped to defend the Nissan GT-R, renowned for its track capabilities and Nürburgring record. Fans criticized Brownlee, pointing out his comment reflected a lack of knowledge about the automotive world. The backlash was so strong that Brownlee was absent from the podcast’s next episode, leaving fans speculating if he was stepping back to avoid the fallout.

MKBHD’s softball interview with Elon Musk

In an interview a few of years ago with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Brownlee faced criticism for steering clear of the tough questions. Musk, dealing with a turbulent week, including an SEC investigation, seemed to use the interview as a platform to promote his upcoming Tesla Roadster. Brownlee’s decision to focus on light topics left fans questioning his objectivity, with some calling it a “softball interview.”

Final thoughts

While these controversies might make it seem like people have caught MKBHD slacking, we have to remember the fact that the tech reviewer has been around on YouTube since 2009. He’s had a mostly spot-free career on the platform with over 1.6 thousand videos and almost 20 million followers. These few instances where MKBHD landed himself in hot water just show that anyone can make mistakes. It’s all about how one addresses the mistakes and learns. Nevertheless, it’s clear that as Brownlee continues expanding his brand, from app development to product reviews and collaborations, incidents like these raise the stakes for his credibility.

Feel free to share your thoughts on MKBHD’s recent fumbles in the comments section below.