Ned Fulmer and Ariel Fulmer: A United Front Amidst The Try Guys Controversy and Public Scrutiny
In the swirling vortex of public scrutiny, former Try Guy Ned Fulmer and his wife Ariel Fulmer presented a seemingly united front, stepping out publicly on September 28, 2022. This appearance came just days after a bombshell announcement rocked the internet, confirming Ned’s departure from the immensely popular YouTube group, The Try Guys, following allegations of a consensual workplace relationship. The images of the couple smiling and waving offered a complex narrative amidst the ongoing scandal, raising questions about their personal lives and the future of all parties involved.
Update (October 3, 2022, 11:39 p.m. EST): The controversy surrounding Ned Fulmer reached a new peak on October 3, 2022, when the remaining members of The Try Guys – Zach Kornfeld, Keith Habersberger, and Eugene Lee Yang – released a poignant and comprehensive video titled “what happened.” This video, shared across their YouTube and TikTok platforms, delved deeper into the intricate details of Ned’s ousting and outlined the group’s challenging path forward. Speaking with palpable emotion, Zach Kornfeld explained the swift and decisive actions taken by the team once the allegations surfaced. “We immediately removed Ned from work activities and engaged an HR professional to conduct a thorough review of the facts,” he stated, emphasizing the seriousness with which they approached the situation. This internal investigation led to an immediate decision regarding Ned’s visibility in their upcoming content. “We also opted to remove Ned from our releases, pending results of that review,” Zach continued, detailing the meticulous process. “That’s included removing his section from videos, digitally removing him from others, and choosing not to feature him in our merch throws. Honestly, I want to give major props to our editing staff for how deftly they’ve handled that.” The sheer scale of this editing task underscores the deep integration of Ned into the group’s content over the years and the dedication required to uphold their brand’s integrity.
The ramifications of Ned Fulmer’s actions extended far beyond mere editing challenges, profoundly impacting The Try Guys’ creative output and financial stability. Zach Kornfeld also shared the harsh reality that a significant portion of their pre-recorded material, featuring Ned, has been rendered unusable. “There are several videos that we’ve deemed as fully unreleasable,” he revealed. “You will never see them, and that is due to his involvement. That’s a decision that cost us lots of money. We will not be able to recoup that money, but it’s a decision we stand by proudly.” This candid admission highlights the substantial financial hit the group willingly absorbed to align their content with their values and maintain credibility with their audience. Beyond the monetary losses, the emotional toll on the remaining members was evident throughout the video. Zach, visibly affected, articulated the profound personal impact of the situation. “I don’t know that we’ll ever be able to fully articulate the pain we feel at this moment,” he confessed. ‘It’s hard to rewatch old videos that we love and we’re proud of. We’re losing a friend.” This statement resonated deeply with fans, underscoring that the crisis was not just a business separation but a personal betrayal affecting a close-knit group that had built an empire together over nearly a decade.
The Initial Scandal Unfolds: Ned Fulmer’s Departure and Public Appearance
Original Report: At 35 years old, Ned Fulmer, despite facing the dramatic end of his YouTube tenure with The Try Guys, made a striking public appearance alongside his wife, Ariel Fulmer. This outing followed the highly publicized alleged cheating scandal that led to his abrupt dismissal from the hugely popular four-person group on September 27. The disgraced social media star and his wife were photographed radiating broad smiles, seemingly unfazed by the whirlwind of controversy surrounding them. New photos captured the couple in a relaxed demeanor, waving and grinning as they strolled along a leafy Los Angeles sidewalk. Their destination was their Tesla, where they were headed to pick up their children, painting a picture of domestic normalcy amidst the chaos. Ned was casually dressed in a teal shirt paired with black jeans and sneakers, while Ariel, his wife of five years, opted for comfortable blue jeans and a simple gray t-shirt. Both wore sunglasses, possibly seeking a degree of anonymity, and Ariel completed her look with a casual updo, carrying a water bottle and cell phone. Their outward composure during such a tumultuous period provided a striking visual counterpoint to the severity of the accusations.
These widely circulated images emerged in the wake of a now-deleted Reddit accusation, which alleged that Ned Fulmer had been unfaithful to Ariel, with whom he shares three children. The swift and decisive reaction from the remaining members of The Try Guys – comprised of Zach Kornfeld, 32, Keith Habersberger, 35, and Eugene Lee Yang, 36 – underscored the gravity of the situation and their commitment to the group’s values. Shortly after the rumors gained traction, The Try Guys issued a devastatingly terse yet impactful statement on Twitter. “Ned Fulmer is no longer working with The Try Guys. As a result of a thorough internal review, we do not see a path forward together,” the statement read, confirming the immediate severance of ties. This public declaration left no room for ambiguity, signaling the end of an era for the popular YouTube quartet and sending shockwaves through their vast fanbase. The rapid response from the group demonstrated a clear intent to address the controversy head-on and protect the integrity of the Try Guys brand, which they had meticulously built over years of collaboration and shared experiences.
Ned and Ariel Fulmer’s Public Response and Requests for Privacy
Following The Try Guys’ official announcement, Ned Fulmer subsequently issued an apology via the same social media platform, Twitter, acknowledging his role in the controversy. In his statement, Ned expressed deep regret and clarified the nature of his transgression. “Family should have always been my priority, but I lost focus and had a consensual workplace relationship,” he wrote, directly confirming the allegations that had led to his ousting. This admission was a critical moment, validating the rumors and providing a clear explanation for the severe consequences he faced. He extended his apologies to those most affected by his actions: “I’m sorry for any pain that my actions may have caused to the guys and the fans but most of all to Ariel.” Emphasizing his commitment to rebuilding trust and focusing on his personal life, Ned concluded, “The only thing that matters right now is my marriage and my children, and that’s where I am going to focus my attention.” His statement aimed to redirect public focus towards his family and the private efforts to repair the damage caused, indicating a desire to step back from the public eye and prioritize his personal responsibilities.
Ariel Fulmer, Ned’s wife, also addressed the public on Tuesday, echoing her husband’s sentiment regarding the primacy of their family in this challenging time. In a message shared with her half a million followers on Instagram, Ariel conveyed a unified stance with Ned while requesting space to navigate their private crisis. “Nothing is more important to me and Ned than our family,” she wrote, reaffirming their shared commitment. Her statement directly appealed to the public and the media for understanding and respect. “And all we request right now is that you respect our privacy for the sake of our kids.” This plea highlighted the immense pressure and emotional distress the family was enduring, particularly concerning the welfare of their children. Ariel’s public commentary, albeit brief, provided a glimpse into the couple’s efforts to manage the fallout together, emphasizing their children’s well-being as their utmost priority and signaling a desire for a private resolution away from the intense glare of internet speculation and judgment. Her resolute tone, despite the difficult circumstances, conveyed a powerful message of resilience and protection for her family.
Navigating the Fallout: The Future of The Try Guys and Public Accountability
The scandal surrounding Ned Fulmer and his subsequent departure from The Try Guys has irrevocably altered the landscape for all parties involved. For Zach, Keith, and Eugene, the challenge now lies in redefining their brand and moving forward as a trio. The “what happened” video served as a crucial step in this redefinition, demonstrating their commitment to transparency and ethical conduct, values they repeatedly emphasized. Their decision to absorb significant financial losses by shelving content featuring Ned speaks volumes about their dedication to maintaining trust with their audience and upholding their moral compass. The immediate removal of Ned from all work activities and the subsequent internal HR review underscored a serious approach to workplace integrity, setting a precedent for how public figures and brands handle similar crises. The outpouring of support from fans, while mixed with sadness and anger, largely praised The Try Guys for their professionalism and honesty, indicating that their direct and emotional address resonated positively.
The impact on The Try Guys as a brand is profound. Ned Fulmer was not just a member but a key personality, often leaning into a “wife guy” persona that heavily featured Ariel. His absence creates a significant void and forces the remaining members to adapt their content and identity. This shift will require immense creativity and resilience, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and evolution, allowing Zach, Keith, and Eugene to explore new dynamics and content avenues. The editing staff’s efforts to digitally remove Ned from existing content, described by Zach as “deft,” showcases the operational challenges involved in such a separation and the dedication of the team behind the scenes to preserve the brand’s future. The journey ahead for The Try Guys will be closely watched by their millions of subscribers, as they navigate this unprecedented chapter and endeavor to emerge stronger and more unified.
Beyond The Try Guys, the Ned Fulmer scandal sparked broader conversations about accountability, workplace ethics, and the pressures faced by public figures. The incident highlighted the rapid and unforgiving nature of social media, where accusations can quickly escalate into widespread public judgment and career-ending consequences. Ned’s acknowledgment of a “consensual workplace relationship” underscores the complexities of such situations, particularly when they involve individuals in positions of influence within an organization. Ariel’s plea for privacy for the sake of their children resonated with many, drawing attention to the often-overlooked personal and familial toll that public scandals inflict. The collective response from The Try Guys, Ned, and Ariel reflects a society increasingly demanding transparency and ethical conduct from those in the public eye, emphasizing that professional boundaries and personal integrity are paramount, even within the seemingly casual world of online entertainment.
As Ned and Ariel Fulmer navigate the personal challenges of rebuilding their marriage and family life away from the spotlight, and as The Try Guys forge a new path forward, the events of late September and early October 2022 will undoubtedly remain a significant turning point. The public appearance of Ned and Ariel, offering smiles amidst the storm, served as a powerful visual, symbolizing a defiant attempt to maintain a semblance of normalcy and unity in the face of immense public and personal turmoil. The full extent of the long-term impact on their respective careers and personal lives remains to be seen, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between public image, personal conduct, and professional responsibility in the digital age.