KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, has made football, comedy and challenge videos with the group - which has 23 million YouTube subscribers - since 2013.
His spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that he was leaving, after many of his followers voiced suspicions that it was a stunt.
The Sidemen said it "came as a surprise" but wished him well.
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@BBCNews’s bio to read more about his departure.
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