The NELK Boys stirred controversy by introducing vapes and alcohol to an isolated tribal community.
The popular YouTube group, the NELK Boys, has faced intense backlash after posting a video where they visited an indigenous tribe that has had minimal contact with the outside world. In the video, they introduced vapes and alcohol to members of the community, raising serious ethical concerns.
Comprising Kyle Forgeard, Aaron ‘Steiny’ Steinberg, and Salim Sirur, the NELK Boys titled their video ‘NELK Visits a Dangerous Uncontacted Tribe!’ and released it towards the end of December. Since then, the controversial video has gained over 4.5 million views, drawing significant attention online.
The footage captures the group’s interactions with the tribe, facilitated by adventurer Forrest Galante, who warned them about the tribe potentially perceiving their visit as a ‘war party.’
Despite the warnings, the creators decided to proceed with their plans.
The NELK Boys claimed the tribe had little contact with the outside world
YouTube/NELK
The NELK Boys began their journey on a Pacific island near Fiji, where their arrival was met with tension.
Members of the indigenous community approached their boat, armed with bows and arrows, signaling possible conflict.
After initial apprehensions, the chief of the community granted them permission to enter, allowing the YouTubers to explore the tribe’s lifestyle.
During their visit, they participated in traditional activities like hunting and even sampled some of the tribe’s local foods.
Towards the end of their visit, the group presented a bottle of bourbon to the chief, who took a sip, as did other tribe members in the video.
The NELK Boys also handed out packs of cigarettes, jokingly commenting: “Watch if they find out about vapes.”
During their interaction, the YouTubers introduced a cherry apple vape pen to the tribe.
One of them remarked: “He’s about to get hooked on them.”
The NELK Boys went a step further, demonstrating how to blow vapor clouds from the vape pens and encouraging the tribe members to try snus, a moist, smokeless tobacco product that delivers nicotine without being smoked.
After the video was uploaded, the group faced a wave of criticism.
The video has sparked mixed responses
YouTube/NELK
Many viewers expressed outrage, accusing them of introducing harmful substances to a community unfamiliar with such products.
The situation was described as “disturbing” and “irresponsible” on social media platforms.
“This is messed-up,” one viewer commented, while another added: “That was a trashy move.”
“Tribal communities are surprisingly healthy and some of them live very long lives. Bringing toxic products to them doesn’t help them.”
“You’re corrupting the tribe,” another individual criticized.
Despite the backlash, some viewers defended the video, claiming it was among the creators’ “best work,” while others speculated that certain scenes appeared “staged.”
The video continues to divide opinions, sparking discussions about cultural sensitivity and ethical boundaries.