The Ned Fulmer Scandal: Fallout, Impact, and What's Happened Since

Sep 17, 2025

The Ned Fulmer Scandal: A Comprehensive Overview

In September 2022, the internet was rocked by news of an affair involving Ned Fulmer, one of the founding members of the immensely popular YouTube group, The Try Guys. The scandal, quickly dubbed "TryGate" by fans and media alike, unfolded rapidly, leading to Fulmer's dismissal from the group and triggering a massive online conversation about workplace relationships, public image, and parasocial relationships. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scandal, its immediate fallout, and the subsequent impact on The Try Guys, their employees, and the wider online community.

The Initial Revelation

The first whispers of the affair began circulating on social media platforms like Reddit and Twitter. Speculation arose after observant fans noticed Fulmer's absence from recent Try Guys videos and promotional material. These rumors were fueled by blurry photos and unconfirmed reports suggesting a romantic relationship between Fulmer and a producer within their company, 2nd Try LLC.

On September 27, 2022, the rumors were confirmed. The Try Guys officially announced Fulmer's departure from the group in a statement posted on their social media channels. This statement was followed by a separate apology from Fulmer acknowledging the affair and expressing remorse for the hurt he had caused to his wife, Ariel Fulmer, his colleagues, and their fans.

The Confirmation and Public Reactions

The speed and decisiveness with which The Try Guys acted were immediately praised by many. Their statement emphasized the importance of upholding company values and maintaining a professional work environment. The statement read: "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. We thank you for your support as we navigate this change."

Ariel Fulmer also released a statement, asking for privacy and understanding during a difficult time. The scandal quickly became a trending topic worldwide, sparking intense discussions about the ethical implications of workplace relationships, the responsibility of public figures, and the complexities of online celebrity culture.

The Fallout: Immediate Consequences and Impact

The immediate fallout of the scandal was significant, impacting several areas:

The Try Guys' Brand and Finances: The group faced immediate financial and logistical challenges. Undoing the work that Ned had done within many videos and brand partnerships was a huge undertaking.
Employee Morale: The affair created a toxic work environment and deeply affected employees who felt betrayed and disillusioned.
Public Perception: The Try Guys' reputation, built on honesty, inclusivity, and humor, was severely tested. Fans questioned the authenticity of their content and expressed disappointment in Fulmer's actions.
Social Media and Online Discourse: The scandal dominated social media conversations, with countless memes, commentary videos, and opinion pieces dissecting every aspect of the situation.

Financial and Logistical Challenges

One of the most immediate challenges for The Try Guys was addressing the financial and logistical implications of Fulmer's departure. This included:

Removing Fulmer from Existing Content: The group had to meticulously edit Fulmer out of previously recorded videos and promotional material, a costly and time-consuming process. This also included halting the sales of any merch with his likeness.
Re-negotiating Brand Partnerships: Some brand partnerships were jeopardized due to the scandal, requiring The Try Guys to re-negotiate contracts and reassure sponsors of their commitment to ethical conduct.
Addressing Outstanding Financial Obligations: The group had to settle Fulmer's stake in the company, further straining their resources.

Impact on Employee Morale and Workplace Culture

Beyond the financial implications, the scandal had a profound impact on employee morale and workplace culture. The affair created a sense of betrayal and distrust within 2nd Try LLC. Many employees felt personally affected by Fulmer's actions, which contradicted the company's stated values of inclusivity and respect.

The Try Guys addressed these concerns in a video titled "what happened," in which they openly discussed the emotional toll of the scandal and their commitment to creating a safer and more supportive work environment. This video was lauded by many for its transparency and willingness to acknowledge the pain and hurt caused by Fulmer's actions.

The Try Guys' Response: Transparency and Accountability

The Try Guys' response to the scandal was widely praised for its transparency and accountability. In their video, "what happened," Keith Habersberger, Zach Kornfeld, and Eugene Lee Yang outlined the steps they had taken to address the situation, including:

Conducting an Internal Review: The group conducted a thorough internal review to understand the extent of Fulmer's misconduct and its impact on the company.
Seeking Legal Counsel: The Try Guys consulted with legal counsel to ensure they were handling the situation appropriately and in compliance with employment laws.
Communicating Openly with Employees: The group held meetings with employees to address their concerns and provide support.
Publicly Acknowledging the Wrongdoing: The Try Guys publicly acknowledged Fulmer's wrongdoing and apologized to their fans, employees, and the wider community.

"What Happened": A Case Study in Crisis Management

The "what happened" video is often cited as a case study in effective crisis management. In the video, Habersberger, Kornfeld, and Yang demonstrated genuine remorse, transparency, and a commitment to accountability. They acknowledged the pain and hurt caused by Fulmer's actions and outlined the steps they were taking to rebuild trust and move forward. The video was viewed millions of times and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from viewers who appreciated the group's honesty and vulnerability.

Key elements of their successful approach included:

Authenticity: The Try Guys spoke from the heart, expressing their genuine emotions and concerns.
Transparency: They openly shared information about the investigation and the steps they were taking to address the situation.
Accountability: They took responsibility for the situation and acknowledged the harm caused by Fulmer's actions.
Empathy: They showed empathy for those affected by the scandal, including their employees, fans, and Fulmer's family.

The Aftermath: Rebuilding and Moving Forward

Following the initial shock and fallout, The Try Guys embarked on a journey of rebuilding and moving forward. This involved a multi-faceted approach that focused on:

Re-defining the Group's Identity: The Try Guys had to re-define their identity as a trio, adjusting their content and brand to reflect the new dynamic.
Strengthening Internal Culture: The group focused on strengthening their internal culture, promoting transparency, and fostering a more supportive and inclusive work environment.
Re-engaging with Fans: The Try Guys worked to re-engage with their fans, addressing their concerns and demonstrating their commitment to ethical conduct.
Continuing to Create Content: Despite the challenges, The Try Guys continued to create content, experimenting with new formats and exploring new themes.

Re-Defining the Group's Identity

With Fulmer gone, The Try Guys had to re-define their identity as a trio. This involved adjusting their content to reflect the new dynamic and exploring new avenues for creativity. They brought in other people on a revolving basis to participate in the "try" videos. Many fans felt that this added to the dynamic.

They also began to incorporate more personal and reflective content into their videos, sharing their experiences and perspectives on the scandal and its aftermath. This allowed them to connect with their audience on a deeper level and demonstrate their vulnerability and resilience.

Strengthening Internal Culture

One of the most important steps The Try Guys took was strengthening their internal culture. They implemented new policies and procedures to promote transparency, accountability, and respect within 2nd Try LLC. This included:

Implementing a Code of Conduct: The group developed a comprehensive code of conduct that outlined expectations for employee behavior and prohibited workplace relationships.
Providing Ethics Training: The Try Guys provided ethics training to all employees to raise awareness of ethical issues and promote responsible decision-making.
Creating a Safe Reporting Mechanism: The group established a safe reporting mechanism for employees to report concerns about misconduct or unethical behavior.
Promoting Open Communication: The Try Guys encouraged open communication and feedback among employees to foster a more transparent and collaborative work environment.

The Long-Term Impact: Lessons Learned and Lasting Effects

The Ned Fulmer scandal has had a lasting impact on The Try Guys, the wider online community, and the way we think about workplace relationships and public figures. Several key lessons have emerged from the experience:

The Importance of Ethical Conduct: The scandal underscored the importance of ethical conduct in the workplace and the need for companies to establish clear policies and procedures to prevent misconduct.
The Power of Transparency and Accountability: The Try Guys' response to the scandal demonstrated the power of transparency and accountability in crisis management.
The Fragility of Public Image: The scandal highlighted the fragility of public image and the need for public figures to maintain high ethical standards.
The Complexities of Parasocial Relationships: The scandal exposed the complexities of parasocial relationships and the potential for fans to feel betrayed when public figures fail to live up to their expectations.

The Changing Landscape of Online Celebrity

The Ned Fulmer scandal has also contributed to a changing landscape of online celebrity. Fans are increasingly demanding authenticity and accountability from the influencers and content creators they follow. They are less tolerant of hypocrisy and misconduct and more likely to hold public figures accountable for their actions.

This shift in expectations has created a new set of challenges for online celebrities, who must navigate the pressures of fame while maintaining high ethical standards and building genuine connections with their audiences.

Where Are They Now? Updates and Current Status

Since the scandal, here's a brief update on the key players:

The Try Guys (Keith, Zach, Eugene): The Try Guys have continued to create content, navigating the challenges of rebuilding their brand and adjusting to their new dynamic as a trio. They have launched new shows, experimented with different formats, and continued to engage with their fans.
Ned Fulmer: Ned Fulmer has largely remained out of the public eye since the scandal.
Ariel Fulmer: Ariel Fulmer has continued to focus on her business, Fig + Stone Designs, and has maintained a relatively low profile on social media.

The Try Guys' Continued Success

Despite the challenges posed by the scandal, The Try Guys have continued to enjoy considerable success. They have maintained a strong following on YouTube and other social media platforms, and they have launched new ventures, including a cookbook and a podcast. This success is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and their ability to connect with their audience on a genuine level.

Conclusion: A Case Study in Crisis and Resilience

The Ned Fulmer scandal serves as a compelling case study in crisis management, ethical conduct, and the complexities of online celebrity. The Try Guys' response to the scandal, while not perfect, demonstrated the power of transparency, accountability, and authenticity in rebuilding trust and moving forward. The lasting impact of the scandal highlights the importance of ethical conduct in the workplace, the fragility of public image, and the evolving relationship between public figures and their audiences. While the scandal undoubtedly caused significant pain and disruption, it also provided an opportunity for The Try Guys to re-define their identity, strengthen their internal culture, and connect with their fans on a deeper level. The group's continued success is a testament to their resilience and their commitment to creating content that is both entertaining and meaningful.

The Future of The Try Guys: Adapting and Innovating

Looking ahead, the future of The Try Guys will likely involve continued adaptation and innovation. The group will need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of online entertainment while staying true to their core values and maintaining a strong connection with their audience. Potential avenues for growth and development include:

Exploring New Content Formats: The Try Guys could experiment with new content formats, such as documentaries, scripted series, or live events, to expand their reach and appeal to a wider audience.
Collaborating with Other Creators: The group could collaborate with other YouTube creators, influencers, or celebrities to cross-promote their content and reach new fans.
Expanding Their Brand: The Try Guys could expand their brand beyond YouTube, launching new merchandise, products, or services that align with their values and appeal to their audience.
Focusing on Social Impact: The group could focus on creating content that promotes social good, raises awareness of important issues, or supports charitable causes.

Lessons for Other Content Creators

The Ned Fulmer scandal provides valuable lessons for other content creators who are building their brands and careers online. These lessons include:

Prioritize Ethical Conduct: Always prioritize ethical conduct in your personal and professional life. Remember that your actions have consequences and can impact your reputation and your relationships with your audience.
Build a Strong Support System: Surround yourself with a strong support system of friends, family, and mentors who can provide guidance and support during challenging times.
Be Authentic and Transparent: Be authentic and transparent with your audience. Share your experiences, your struggles, and your vulnerabilities. This will help you build genuine connections and foster a sense of trust.
Take Responsibility for Your Actions: If you make a mistake, take responsibility for your actions and apologize sincerely. Don't try to deflect blame or minimize the harm you have caused.
Learn from Your Mistakes: Use your mistakes as learning opportunities. Reflect on what went wrong and identify ways to prevent similar situations from happening in the future.

Final Thoughts: A Reminder of Human Fallibility and the Potential for Redemption

The Ned Fulmer scandal is a reminder of human fallibility and the potential for redemption. While Fulmer's actions caused significant pain and disruption, they also provided an opportunity for growth, learning, and forgiveness. The Try Guys' response to the scandal demonstrates the importance of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in rebuilding trust and moving forward. As the online landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for content creators and public figures to prioritize ethical behavior and build genuine connections with their audiences.