How did Kevin Samuels die? YouTuber's death reignites discussion about his comments on Black women
Some perceived Kevin Samuels as a man spewing violently misogynistic notions, while others saw him as a straight shooter. Samuels, who styled himself as an image consultant, directed his counsel at Black men and women, attracting a considerable following as well as a chorus of adversaries who decried his views as outmoded and cruel. Thus when he died last week at the age of 53, it triggered mixed responses from people across social media.
Dennis Spurling and Melanie King, two pals, and other YouTube stars, confirmed his death. In an Instagram post, Spurling, who is also a lawyer, presented himself as a family spokesman. The controversial YouTuber died with some outlets stating that he died of a heart arrest, though the medical examiner has yet to confirm this. According to Atlanta police, he was discovered unconscious on the ground of his apartment. There was no explanation given. Samuels, who represented himself as an image consultant, had evolved in recent years from a personal stylist into a social media celebrity who developed his following on a persona of plain-spoken, hypermasculine power, generally wearing a well-fitted suit. The strategy earned him over a million Instagram and YouTube followers, and many of his admirers saw him as taking heroic stances for what they considered traditional values.
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The death of Samuels was widely reported on Twitter at first, but the lack of official confirmation left many people perplexed. Beverly Samuels-Burch, Samuels' mother, has already confirmed his death to NBC News after purportedly learning of her son's death on social media. Samuels was transferred to Piedmont Hospital, according to police, and the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Officer stated in a press release that an autopsy was performed, but the reason and manner of Samuels' death are still unknown.
Since Samuels' passing, many have used social media to honor him, but many have also used it to remind people of his controversial opinions. Online reactions to Samuels' death have been divided, with some believing that because of his conduct in life, he does not deserve to be remembered fondly. Someone wrote: "Kevin Samuels was a menace. Nothing about his ideals actually made sense. His audience is made up of men that are so fragile in their masculinity that they think it’s a personality trait to degrade women.. we’re not celebrating his death we’re just not mourning it"
Kevin Samuels was a menace. Nothing about his ideals actually made sense. His audience is made up of men that are so fragile in their masculinity that they think it’s a personality trait to degrade women.. we’re not celebrating his death we’re just not mourning it
— yeee (@crxckcobain) May 5, 2022
Others, on the other hand, have stated that it is needless to celebrate anyone's death, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with their viewpoints. Someone tweeted: "You a sick individual to celebrate someone passing R.I.P Kevin Samuels".
You a sick individual to celebrate someone passing R.I.P Kevin Samuels🙏🏿
— JiGong (@Jidion6) May 6, 2022
Kevin Samuels was preparing for the most important year of his career. Samuels not only featured in Future's 'Worst Day' video but also in 'Atlanta.' Unfortunately, Kevin Samuels' episode of 'Atlanta' premiered the same week he passed. As a consequence, Kevin Samuels trended throughout the night. Fans reacted to the episode, saying: "Kevin Samuels Atlanta episode was good af . Probably best one this season, Emmy bait for sure …"
Kevin Samuels Atlanta episode was good af . Probably best one this season, Emmy bait for sure …
— Domo🦋 (@HilaryyBanks) May 16, 2022
Few couldn't even believe it at first, as they tweeted: "Is this really Kevin Samuels on @AtlantaFX? "
Although his identity was not disclosed, the second episode of 'Love Match Atlanta' addressed one of his stints with one of the show's clients. One of the viewers remarked: "Mannn this episode of #LoveMatchAtlanta is CRAZY considering Kevin Samuels died ALONE this week. Karma is always working smdh get it Jessica!! Good for you!!"
Mannn this episode of #LoveMatchAtlanta is CRAZY considering Kevin Samuels died ALONE this week. Karma is always working smdh get it Jessica!! Good for you!!
— Carolyn Wysinger (@CDubbTheHost) May 16, 2022
Kevin Samuels was not married, but per the Sun, Samuels had previously been married twice and had split from both relationships. According to the outlet, Samuels had joint custody of a child he had with one of his ex-wives.