Max Gilardi, a 38-year-old popular YouTube creator known for his animated videos and livestreams, announced on Sunday that he plans to travel to Switzerland to undergo doctor-assisted euthanasia due to worsening chronic pain and undiagnosed health issues. Gilardi, who runs the channel hotdiggedydemon, shared his decision in a pre-recorded video with his 2.1 million followers.
Gilardi explained that after exploring all options, he decided to pursue euthanasia as his "final solution." He has been struggling with chronic illness for several years, reporting a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in 2024. He described experiencing constant fatigue, significant pain in his joints and muscles, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, Gilardi suffers from undiagnosed conditions including persistent drooling, which he calls "slobber mouth," brain fog, and speech difficulties.
The creator stated that these health challenges have made it difficult to produce content and stream. He also highlighted the financial strain of his medical care, mentioning a $900 MRI that did not yield a diagnosis or treatment. "There's nothing more expensive than living," Gilardi said, adding that he is "constantly running out of money" and has outstanding medical bills.
Gilardi suggested that his fibromyalgia may have developed after contracting COVID-19 in early 2023, noting that his symptoms began approximately a month and a half later, alongside the onset of "slobber mouth."
Following his announcement, Gilardi received an outpouring of support from fans who urged him not to proceed and offered financial assistance. This response appeared to influence his decision, as he later posted on X (formerly Twitter) stating he would "reassess" his plan to travel to Switzerland. He initially posted a cryptic message that was interpreted as him changing his mind.
Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland under certain conditions, although doctor-administered euthanasia is not. Clinics like Dignitas typically offer the procedure to individuals with terminal illnesses, while Pegasos has more lenient criteria, accepting patients with a "poor quality of life." The process often involves ingesting a lethal dose of barbiturate drugs.
Gilardi gained initial internet fame for his web series "PONY.MOV," an adult parody of "My Little Pony." He currently produces a media analysis series called "Brain Dump."