The NELK Boys, known for their wild pranks and over-the-top YouTube antics, have crossed a line that has fans and critics in an uproar. In their latest video, the group visited a remote indigenous tribe with little outside contact—and what happened next has everyone talking. Instead of respecting their traditions, the YouTubers handed out bourbon, cigarettes, and even vapes, joking about getting the tribe “hooked.” The video, titled “NELK Visits a Dangerous Uncontacted Tribe!”, racked up millions of views but also major backlash.
The Controversial Visit: How It All Went Down
The NELK Boys—Kyle Forgeard, Steiny, and Salim—teamed up with adventurer Forrest Galante to track down this isolated tribe. From the start, tensions were high. When their boat approached the island, tribesmen greeted them with bows and arrows, clearly wary of outsiders. After some negotiation, the chief allowed them in, and the group documented their time hunting, eating local food, and interacting with the community.
But things took a turn when they decided to “gift” the tribe a bottle of bourbon. The chief took a sip, and soon, others followed. Then came the cigarettes, with one NELK member joking, “Wait till they find out about vapes.”Moments later, they pulled out a cherry apple vape pen, showing the tribesmen how to blow clouds. The video cuts to laughter as one tribesman tries it, while a NELK member quips, “He’s about to get addicted.”
The Internet’s Explosive Reaction: Outrage vs. Defense
As soon as the video dropped, social media erupted. Many viewers called it “disgusting” and “exploitative,” arguing that introducing harmful substances to an isolated community is reckless. One angry comment read, “These people have lived for generations without nicotine or alcohol, and you just corrupted them for views.
“ Others pointed out that indigenous tribes often have no immunity to addiction, making the stunt even riskier. But not everyone agreed—some fans defended NELK, saying the tribe seemed willing and that the video was just entertainment. A few even claimed parts looked staged, suggesting it was all for show. Still, the bigger question remains: even if it was “just a joke,” should they have done it at all?
Ethical Concerns: Why This Stunt Crossed the Line
Indigenous rights activists and health experts have long warned against exposing isolated tribes to outside influences—especially addictive substances. Many of these communities have no understanding of nicotine or alcohol’s dangers, making them easy targets for dependency. Beyond health risks, critics argue that the NELK Boys treated the tribe like props, not people.
“This isn’t a prank—it’s exploitation,” one advocate tweeted. Even if the tribe consented, power dynamics come into play: would they have refused gifts from armed visitors? The video also raises concerns about cultural preservation. Tribes like this one have survived without modern vices—until now. By introducing these substances, NELK may have altered their way of life forever, all for a few million clicks.