Keemstar

{{Short description|American internet personality (born 1982)}} {{pp-pc}} {{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Primary sources|date=October 2025}} {{Infobox social media personality | name = Keemstar | image = KeemstarColdOnes2020.jpg | caption = Keemstar in 2020 | birth_name = Daniel M. Keem | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|03|08}} | birth_place = Buffalo, New York, U.S. | children = 1 | occupation = {{hlist|YouTuber|streamer}} | website = {{URL|dramaalert.com}} | pseudonym = {{hlist|Killer Keemstar|DJ Keemstar<ref name="Team">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=June 29, 2018 |title=Keemstar Net Worth, Height, & Daughter |url=https://blog.gfuel.com/keemstar-net-worth-height-daughter |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902104734/https://blog.gfuel.com/keemstar-net-worth-height-daughter |archive-date=September 2, 2019 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=G Fuel Blog |language=en}}</ref>}} | instagram_handle = keemstar | instagram_followers = 175 thousand | twitch_handle = keemstar | twitch_followers = 131 thousand | twitter_handle = KEEMSTAR | twitter_followers = 2.5 million | twitch_years_active = 2017–2021 | youtube_handle = DramaAlert | youtube_display_name = | youtube_years_active = 2009–2025 | youtube_genre = {{hlist|Entertainment|tabloid}} | youtube_subscribers = 5.23 million | youtube_views = 1.26 billion | stats_update = April 14, 2026 }}

'''Daniel M. Keem''' (born March 8, 1982), known online as '''Keemstar''', is an American YouTuber, podcaster, and streamer<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/579959-keemstar-twitch-mixer-controversy |title=Keemstar Mixer account creation hints at him leaving Twitch |date=August 12, 2019 |website=GameRevolution |access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref> who is mainly known for being the host of the Internet popular culture news show ''DramaAlert''.

== Early life == Keem was born in 1982 in Buffalo, New York. He has one brother and one sister.<ref name="Team" /> He is of predominantly Sicilian and Greek descent.<ref>{{Cite web|title=I got receipts bitch ass|url=https://twitter.com/keemstar/status/1463647184231014401|access-date=November 25, 2021|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref>

== Internet career == {{Update|part=Internet career|date=May 2026}} Keem's first appearance on YouTube was in a ''Halo 3'' YouTube video from January 2009, where he was recorded trash talking through the online multiplayer voice chat. In September 2012, Keem began using the hashtag #DramaAlert on Twitter.{{efn|On his suspended Twitter.}}<ref name="DailyBeast" /> In June 2014, after numerous terminations, he registered his current channel ''DramaAlert''.<ref name="DailyBeast">{{cite news |last1=Lorenz |first1=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Lorenz |date=January 18, 2018 |title=How DramaAlert Became the TMZ of YouTube |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-drama-alert-became-the-tmz-of-youtube |access-date=September 2, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Keem often offers his own opinions on subjects he reports on.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tanyachen/alinity-gamer-cat-twitch-animals-sexism |title=A Popular Gamer Threw Her Cat Live On Twitch, Sparking A Very Messy Drama |work=BuzzFeed News |date=July 24, 2019 |language=en |access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/20/18231561/youtube-child-exploitation-predators-controversy-creators-adpocalypse |title=YouTubers fear looming 'adpocalypse' after child exploitation controversy |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=February 20, 2019 |website=The Verge |access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/disney-epic-games-youtube-adpocalypse-advertisers-1337923 |title=As waves of advertisers leave YouTube, content creators worry about a second Adpocalypse |last=Asarch |first=Steven |date=February 20, 2019 |website=Newsweek |language=en |access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref>

In July 2010, Keem became the most subscribed person on blogTV.<ref name="Keemstar, The Bogeyman of YouTube">{{cite web |url=https://berkeleybeacon.com/keemstar-the-bogeyman-of-youtube/ |title=Keemstar, The Bogeyman of YouTube|website=The Berkeley Beacon|date=October 21, 2021 }}</ref>

In November 2010, Keem was swatted; the caller claimed to be a deaf person being held hostage at his address.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/erie/Deaf-persons-call-turns-out-to-be-hoax |title=Deaf person's call turns out to be hoax |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123023351/https://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/erie/Deaf-persons-call-turns-out-to-be-hoax |archive-date=November 23, 2010 |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=WIVB-TV}}</ref>

In 2010, during an argument with a moderator named Alex on the website BattleCam.com, Keem encouraged his viewers to type "Alex is a stupid nigger" in the stream's chat; he later apologized for saying the word.<ref name="DailyBeast" />

In February 2011, Keem promoted ''FortressCraft'', a game coming to Xbox Live. Keem contacted the Indie developer and made a deal with them, taking part-ownership of the game. It went on to sell 2 million copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/youtuber-keemstar-being-half-loved-half-hated-whats-coming-next-1494539 |title=YouTuber Keemstar on Being 'Half-Loved and Half-Hated' and What's Coming Next|website=Newsweek|date=March 26, 2020 }}</ref>

In July 2011, Keem held a tournament alongside Alki David called the 'Billionaire's Challenge' in which contestants competed for prizes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dailydot.com/irl/alki-david |title=Billionaire Alki David bruisin' for a fight|website=The Daily Dot|date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> During production of a second Billionaire's Challenge, David stated an assisted suicide would be shown, which caused controversy and led to some YouTubers canceling their participation. David later clarified it was a joke, while the second show went ahead.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://greekreporter.com/2011/07/30/alki-you-did-it-again-first-assisted-suicide-broadcast-live-over-the-internet-wasnt-real/ |title=Alki Did It Again! – First Assisted Suicide Broadcast Live Over the Internet was a Promotion|website=Greek Reporter|date=July 30, 2011 }}</ref>

In June 2012, Keem and ''Call of Duty'' YouTuber ONLYUSEmeBLADE created the Bad Kid Show podcast.<ref name="Keemstar, The Bogeyman of YouTube" /> In January 2016, Keem posted a tweet directed at TotalBiscuit, a YouTuber who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, saying that he could not wait to report on his death. Keem later apologized for the tweet.<ref name="DailyBeast" /> TotalBiscuit died in May 2018.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 25, 2018 |title=YouTube star John 'TotalBiscuit' Bain dies aged 33 |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44250597 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

In May 2016, YouTuber iDubbbz released a video exposé on YouTube about Keem. In the video, he accused Keem of threatening big YouTubers with negative coverage and promoting small channels or accusing them of hiding something. iDubbbz called Keem a "very rash decision maker" and showed clips of Keem saying what iDubbbz deemed to be regrettable. In response, Keem called the video "entertaining" and denied wanting to attack other YouTubers, saying he has "no problem booking guests or landing exclusive interviews". He also apologized for the comments and incidents he caused, but claimed he was justified in saying "nigger" since a genealogical DNA test said he was nine percent black.<ref name="DailyBeast" />

In 2016, Keem falsely accused ''RuneScape'' Twitch streamer Tony Winchester—known as RSGloryandGold—of being a pedophile, confusing him with John Phillips, a convicted sex offender who used ''RuneScape'' to attract children for sex. Keemstar was later proven to be incorrect as Winchester proved his innocence, causing Keem to apologize, fire one of his editors, offer Winchester $1000 (which was refused), and delete his videos related to the matter. Winchester later forgave Keem.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://esportsedition.com/general/keemstar-and-sir-tony-ray-internet-mob-mentality/ | title=Keemstar and "Sir" Tony Ray: Internet Mob Mentality | date=January 13, 2016 }}</ref> In 2018, Keem founded "Fortnite Friday", an online ''Fortnite'' tournament that featured various content creators, streamers, and professional players competing against each other every Friday.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McIntyre |first1=Isaac |title=KEEMSTAR explains why Friday Fortnite & Minecraft Monday are canceled for now |url=https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/keemstar-reveals-friday-fortnite-minecraft-monday-canceled-for-now-1110173/ |website=dexerto.com |date=October 7, 2019 |access-date=December 31, 2023}}</ref> In 2019, Keem created a spinoff to "Fortnite Friday" called "Minecraft Monday".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/what-is-the-minecraft-championship-mcc|title=What is the Minecraft Championship (MCC)?|first=Gökhan|last=Çakır|date=December 12, 2020|website=Dot Esports|access-date=September 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://esportsinsider.com/2021/06/minecraft-esports-revival|title=Minecraft's esports revival: Is there a future for Minecraft esports?|last=Stella|first=Marloes Valentina|date=June 25, 2021|website=Esports Insider|access-date=October 21, 2023}}</ref>

In April 2019, Keem uploaded a ''DramaAlert'' interview featuring YouTuber Etika, who had exhibited unstable behavior in the weeks leading up to the interview.<ref name="DailyDot3">{{Cite web|last=Bonfiglio|first=Nahila |url=https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/etika-purge-all-life-keemstar-twitch/|title=Twitch star Etika says he wants to 'purge all life' in bonkers interview|date=May 1, 2019|website=The Daily Dot|access-date=June 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501180557/https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/etika-purge-all-life-keemstar-twitch/|archive-date=May 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WashingtonPost">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/06/25/youtuber-etika-found-dead-east-river-following-series-erratic-videos-police-confrontations/|title=YouTuber Etika found dead in East River, following a series of erratic videos and police confrontations|first=Avi|last=Selk|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=June 25, 2019|access-date=March 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626080353/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/06/25/youtuber-etika-found-dead-east-river-following-series-erratic-videos-police-confrontations/|archive-date=June 26, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> During the interview, Etika made several statements predominantly centered around death and his perspectives on the world. At one point, he referred to himself as the "antichrist" and expressed a desire to "purge all life".<ref name="DailyDot3" /><ref name="WashingtonPost" /> Keem questioned Etika on whether his actions leading up to the interview were publicity stunts or if he had genuinely experienced a mental breakdown.<ref name="DailyDot3" /> Etika denied using his actions for publicity and later claimed that life was a "video game" and that "death means nothing";<ref name="DailyDot3" /> Keem then inquired that if life were a simulation, "then why live?... Just jump off a cliff? If it's just a simulation, who cares?"<ref name="TheDailyTelegraph">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/06/29/burnout-bullies-blurring-lines-reality-tragic-death-etika-tells/|title=Burnout, bullies and blurring the lines of reality: What the tragic death of Etika tells us about YouTube obsession|first=Margi|last=Murphy|website=The Daily Telegraph|date=June 29, 2019|access-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200413123342/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/06/29/burnout-bullies-blurring-lines-reality-tragic-death-etika-tells/|archive-date=April 13, 2020|url-status=live|language=en-UK}}</ref><ref name="WashingtonPost"/>

Two months following the interview, Etika uploaded a suicide note in the form of a video titled "I'm sorry". Keem was among the people Etika spoke about, saying "Keemstar, I wish you the best, my nigga".<ref name="WashingtonPost"/> Etika's body was found in the East River four days after the video was uploaded, with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner determining that he had drowned after jumping from the Manhattan Bridge. Keem faced criticism following Etika's suicide, with some fans blaming him for Etika's death due to the ''DramaAlert'' interview and statements made on Twitter before and after the interview. Keem argued that he was not to blame for Etika's death because he seemed fine privately and doctors believed he was stable.<ref name="Etika/Keem">{{cite web |url=https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/etika-mom-keemstar/ |title=Etika's mom defends Keemstar, says YouTuber isn't to blame for suicide |first=Josh|last=Katzowitz|date=July 1, 2019 |website=The Daily Dot |language=en |access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref> Keem later posted a screenshot of several texts allegedly sent by Etika's mother, which stated that he was not to blame for her son's suicide and that he loved Keem and his show.<ref name="Etika/Keem" />

In May 2020, YouTuber Ethan Klein released a video exposé about Keem, with one of his claims being that he exploited Etika. This resulted in G Fuel ending their sponsorship with Keem.<ref>{{cite web |title=Energy drink company G Fuel no longer sponsors internet drama reporter Keemstar after claims that he exploited a YouTuber who died by suicide |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/g-fuel-ends-keemstar-sponsorship-h3h3-ethan-klein-etika-2020-5 |last=Tenbarge |first=Kat |date=May 20, 2020 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref>

In April 2021, in response to Jake Paul facing sexual assault allegations from TikTok user Justine Paradise, Keem posted on Twitter that there is no way to sexually assault someone orally, stating the victim had to choose to "open her mouth" as well as quoting "Is there really no way to get away? I just really don't believe this story at all."<ref name="Keemstar, The Bogeyman of YouTube"/><ref>{{cite web |title=TikTok star Justine Paradise responds on Instagram to Jake Paul sexual assault denial |url=https://www.monstersandcritics.com/celebrity/tiktok-star-justine-paradise-responds-on-instagram-to-jake-paul-sexual-assault-denial/ |date=April 15, 2021 |website=Monster & Critics |language=en-US}}</ref>

On October 25, 2021, Keem announced on Twitter his plan to retire from YouTube on March 8, 2022, the day of his 40th birthday and after 14 years of content creation. In his announcement video released one day later titled "Retired," he expressed his dissatisfaction with making videos on the platform, citing the effects of cancel culture, changes to YouTube's algorithm, and the website's community as factors for his decision.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Retiring …..|url=https://twitter.com/keemstar/status/1452691903158407171|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref><ref name="retirement1">{{Cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/keemstar-reveals-why-he-is-retiring-from-youtube|title=Keemstar announces YouTube retirement|first=Kate|last=Irwin|website=Dot Esports|date=October 25, 2021|access-date=October 30, 2021}}</ref><ref name="retirement2">{{Cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/keemstar-announces-youtube-retirement|title=Keemstar reveals why he is retiring from YouTube|first=Kate|last=Irwin|website=Dot Esports|date=October 26, 2021|access-date=October 30, 2021}}</ref> On November 12, 2021, Keem hired a new host, Willy Mac, and also rehired a former host, TyBlue.<ref>{{Citation|title=FIRED FROM DRAMAALERT (the truth)| date=January 13, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Aa8vn5NbU|language=en|access-date=December 25, 2021}}</ref> However, on February 12, 2022, Keem announced that he had changed his mind and would not retire from DramaAlert, citing a lack of confidence in any permanent replacement and a new 3-year sponsorship deal struck with sports betting company MyBookie.<ref name="retirement3">{{Citation|title=Retirement: I can't do this anymore!| date=February 12, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hDHYMI0pP8|language=en|access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref>{{primary source inline|date=April 2024}}

Since 2023, Keem has been hosting a podcast titled "Lolcow Live", alongside Boogie2988 and WingsOfRedemption.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/isabel-ravenna/youtuber-boogie2988-liar-face-tattoo-livestream-explained|title=What's The Deal With YouTuber Boogie2988's 'Liar' Face Tattoo?|website=Complex|date=August 23, 2024|last=Ravenma|first=Isabel}}</ref>

== Personal life == Keemstar has a daughter.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=KEEMSTAR |number=457946253536817155 |date=20 April 2014 |title=My daughter Mia is 4 years old & has more money then you.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=My daughter Mia just won 1st place 🥇 in her science competition! We going to states 3 years in a row! ❤️ Proud dad!!!|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CpYeaR2vScU/|access-date=September 22, 2025|website=Instagram|language=en}}</ref> Keemstar identifies as agnostic.<ref>{{Cite web|title=I am not religious is any way, However i do not rule out the possibility of a "GOD" . I simply think these Wars were Unjust @Nicolaaassxd|url=https://x.com/KEEMSTAR/status/559432086860611584|access-date=September 22, 2025|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref>

== Discography == === Singles === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of singles, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" style="width:19em;" | Title ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Album |- ! scope="row"| "Dollar in the Woods!"{{efn|Remix. Original song from 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://soundcloud.com/dan-keem/dollar-in-the-woods |title=Stream DOLLAR in the WOODS by Dan Keem |work=SoundCloud |date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2022}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dollar-in-the-woods-single/1295414119 |title=Dollar in the Woods! – Single by Keemstar |work=Apple Music |date=October 5, 2017 |access-date=November 30, 2020}}</ref> | 2017 | rowspan="2" {{N/A|Non-album singles}} |- ! scope="row"| "Keem Pop"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/keem-pop-single/1496601424 |title=Keem Pop – Single by Keemstar |work=Apple Music |date=January 25, 2020 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204001718/https://music.apple.com/us/album/keem-pop-single/1496601424 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | 2020 |- |}

=== Podcasts === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" ! Year ! Title ! Role |- | 2012–2014 | ''BadKidCast'' | Himself (co-host) |- | 2015–2016 | ''#Triggered'' | Himself (co-host) |- | 2016–2019, 2024 | ''Baited!'' | Himself (co-host) |- | 2020–2022 | ''Mom's Basement'' | Himself (host) |- |2023–present |''LolcowLive'' |Himself (co-host) |}

== References == {{reflist}}

== Notes == {{notelist}}

== External links == * {{YouTube|custom=KEEMSTAR}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Keem, Daniel}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:American people of Dutch descent Category:American people of German descent Category:American people of Greek descent Category:American people of Italian descent Category:21st-century African-American people Category:American boxing commentators Category:English-language YouTube channels Category:Internet-related controversies Category:New York (state) Republicans Category:American agnostics Category:News YouTubers Category:People from Buffalo, New York Category:American Twitch (service) streamers Category:YouTube channels launched in 2014 Category:YouTubers from New York (state)

Keemstar

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