Celebrity3 min(s) read
Published 10:21 03 Aug 2026 GMT
Popular YouTuber Max Gilardi, better known as Hotdiggedydemon, opened up about considering euthanasia to end his life.
The 38-year-old, who amassed a following with his animated videos parodying popular franchises such as Five Nights at Freddy’s and My Little Pony, has over 2 million subscribers.
He bravely opened up about the health and financial difficulties he has been facing, which made him consider assisted dying.
Gilardi explained on a livestream Saturday: "After considering every option I could think of, ultimately that solution has taken the form of doctor-assisted euthanasia."
He revealed that he'd been facing a series of health issues which began with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in 2024, a long-term medical condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body, extreme tiredness, and sleep problems.
The condition had slowed down his ability to produce videos and affected his quality of life as he explained: "I’m tired all the time. I spend a lot of my time lying down.
'I get a lot of bad pain in all my joints and my muscles, ankles, shins, hands, knees, hips, neck. I have a lot of difficulty sleeping."
Gilardi revealed that he also has other symptoms, such as sudden drooling and difficulty with his speech, which the doctors have yet to explain.
He admitted that the rising cost of his medical bills was also taking a toll, adding: "There’s nothing more expensive than living."
The animator revealed that it took a long deliberation to decide to potentially pursue euthanasia, which he believes would be a "natural conclusion".
He added: "My existence has become one where I suffer and barely scrape by so I can continue to sustain an existence where I barely scrape by and suffer."
He revealed he was planning to travel to Switzerland to end his life, mistakenly telling his followers that euthanasia is legal in the country.
While assisted dying - where the patient administers the lethal drugs to themselves under the supervision of medical professionals - is legal in Switzerland, euthanasia - where the drugs are administered by a doctor or nurse rather than the patient themselves - is not.
His followers shared their sympathies on social media, writing: "I’m gonna be straight up when I say this but Max Gilardi is singlehandedly the coolest guy on the Internet and watching him go out like this feels like a sharp pain in the heart. I really do wish him the best and can get the help he needs. we love you buddy."
Another added: "Oh max gilardi. You are the best youtuber. I do wish things can get better, and if your disease can get better on its own, that would be great. Hope a miracle happens man, we need you."
Someone else commented: "Listening to his stream, And before earlier, I genuinely didn't understand the comments but hearing what he was saying. I understand more. Actually very tearful. Max G Is genuinely Actually someone I would say in example of someone changing and being a better person."
Following the response, Gilardi later added on X (formerly Twitter): "Decided I’m not thinking clearly, will reassess."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
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