Why is YouTuber Anthony Fantano under fire? Complete N-word controversy explained

Recently, two old clips of the YouTuber, Anthony Fantano, went viral on X on July 31, 2025. One clip shows Fantano quoting a YouTuber named iDubbbz’s controversial catchphrase that included the n‑word and the f‑slur.

In this clip, Fantano repeats both words, reportedly to explain iDubbbz’s past use of the phrase. In a second clip, which also circulated on July 31, Fantano joins others on a live stream. A viewer sends a message joking about the death of Trayvon Martin. Fantano is seen smiling and laughing along with the joke.

These clips spurred a wave of criticism online. Some users accused Fantano of racism and homophobia. Music producer Alchemist called him out on the platform X. Others defended Fantano, saying the clips are old and from a time when edgy humor was more common.

Fans noted he ran a now‑deleted comedy channel called thatistheplan in the mid‑2010s before he changed direction.

What are Anthony Fantano's clips about, and why are people upset?

In the first clip, Anthony Fantano references iDubbbz’s catchphrase that included both the n‑word and the f‑slur. While reporting on it, Fantano repeats those slurs in his commentary. Many people say that even quoting such words is wrong. Criticism came quickly for his choice to repeat them verbally.

The second clip shows him on the Drunken Peasants podcast. A chat message jokes about Trayvon Martin’s death. Anthony Fantano is seen laughing at the comment. Many found it insensitive and inappropriate to react that way, no matter who said it originally. Fantano’s critics say that quoting slurs or laughing at a joke about a Black teenager’s death is unacceptable today. Supporters say he was quoting someone else and that these clips are from over a decade ago, when such behavior was more common online.

Some online voices also called out DJ Akademiks, whose X account shared the n‑word clip first. They said his motives are not purely journalistic and might be biased against Fantano.

How did Anthony Fantano respond?

On August 1, 2025, Anthony Fantano posted a video on X to address the controversy. He said:

"Early on in my YouTube career, I had some pretty lax views when it came to quoting the language of others. My point of view was 'what does it matter? It's not me saying it. I'm relaying a lyric or sentiment or point of view expressed by someone else.'"

He further said:

"All I can do is take ownership of having quoted these words in this way. And obviously say that I'm sorry. Which, I am, in fact, sorry about this."

Regarding the Trayvon Martin clip, Fantano admitted it looks bad. He said:

"The way this clip has been presented is a lie. It's been heavily edited, too. In this clip that you saw, I am reading a super chat that was sent by a viewer, and the reason I'm jumping into reading it, is partially it is a dig at me."

He also criticized DJ Akademiks and his network for sharing the clips. Fantano said he would not appear on platforms that promote ideas he does not believe in.

Who is Anthony Fantano?

Anthony Fantano, born in October 1985 in Connecticut, is the creator of The Needle Drop, a YouTube channel with over three million subscribers as of early 2025. He is known as the "Internet’s Busiest Music Nerd" and reviews music from many genres online.

Fantano originally ran a comedy channel called thatistheplan in the mid‑2010s, which used surreal and edgy humor. That channel was later closed after controversy, including a 2017 article that accused him of promoting alt‑right sentiment. The article was later deleted after Fantano disputed its claims and a settlement was reached.

Online reaction to the current controversy is divided. Many users are upset that Anthony Fantano said the slurs even in context. Some point to his earlier content era and say he has changed. Others say the backlash feels sensational and rushed, given the age and context of the clips.

Anthony Fantano now faces both criticism and support. He says he is sorry and has changed, and that he regrets quoting disrespectful words and laughing at the Trayvon Martin joke.

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