Ethan Klein to Give Up H3 Podcast Ownership After Claims

Ethan Klein has broken his silence, though not on the affair claims themselves. A day after his wife, Hila Klein, publicly said he had been having an affair for more than six months, the YouTuber and “H3 Podcast” co-host posted two Instagram Stories on Friday, Oct. 23. In them, he asked people to leave his family alone and said he is giving up his ownership in the podcast and in Hila’s businesses.

The story has drawn wide attention as fans of one of YouTube’s longest-running creator shows try to make sense of what comes next. Here’s what has been confirmed and what is still unknown.

What did Ethan Klein say?

His first statement was a request for privacy for his relatives.

“I know a lot of people are understandably looking for a comment from me, but I ask that you please respect my family’s privacy and do not contact them looking for me or asking for their comments,” he wrote, according to Variety and USA TODAY. “They have nothing to do with this and share in your outrage and disappointment. Thank you.”

In a follow-up, he addressed the business side.

“I am working with Hila to urgently remove my ownership and financial stakes in any podcasts, Teddy Fresh, Teddy Glow or any joint venture that I would profit from,” he wrote, per Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter. “All of your support will go directly to Hila and the crew. I do this in the hope that people can still support Hila and the crew without the concern of enriching me.”

He added that he knows “the crew will make an awesome show,” describing them as “packed to the brim with the most talented, creative, hilarious and all around great people.”

Rolling Stone noted that Klein did not comment on the affair accusation itself.

What are Teddy Fresh and Teddy Glow?

They are Hila Klein’s fashion and beauty brands, according to Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter. Ethan’s statement means he intends to step away financially from those companies as well as the podcast. He did not say how long that process would take or how it would be structured.

What happened before this?

Late Thursday, Oct. 22, Hila Klein posted a statement on Instagram saying her husband had been having an affair. “I have been fed lie after lie after lie for months,” she wrote. She said he eventually admitted to an affair lasting more than six months and that she is now “trying to navigate separation, co-parenting, and unthinkable heartbreak.”

The “H3 Podcast” crew then said it would not keep working with Ethan “involved or profiting in any way.” Ethan had already announced that the show was going on an “indefinite hiatus.” (Our earlier report has the full background on Hila’s statement and the crew’s response.)

Has the other person been identified?

No. Rolling Stone described the affair as being with “an unnamed person.” Hila’s statement did not name anyone, and neither did Ethan. Social media users have speculated about who it might be, but no major news outlet has confirmed any identity. We are not repeating those names.

What happens to the H3 Podcast now?

That’s still unclear. USA TODAY reported that neither Ethan nor Hila has said what will happen to the show. Ethan’s statement suggests the crew could continue without him, and the crew said it is “sticking together,” but no new format, host lineup or return date has been announced.

The show launched in 2016 and has been nominated for best podcast at the Streamy Awards five times, The Hollywood Reporter noted. Its YouTube channel has about 2.5 million subscribers.

Who is Ethan Klein?

Ethan Klein, 41, is one half of h3h3Productions, the comedy and commentary channel he built with Hila after they met in 2007. They married in 2012 and have three children. Beyond “H3,” he previously co-hosted the “Frenemies” podcast with Trisha Paytas and later a show with Hasan Piker, Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter noted.

FAQ

Did Ethan Klein admit to the affair publicly?

Not in his public statements. He asked for privacy for his family and announced he is giving up his ownership stakes, but did not address the accusation directly, Rolling Stone reported.

Is Ethan Klein leaving the H3 Podcast?

He said he is working to remove his ownership and financial stakes in “any podcasts,” and the crew has said it won’t work with him.

Are Ethan and Hila Klein divorcing?

Hila said they are separated. Neither has publicly said anything about a divorce.

Who did Ethan Klein have an affair with?

That has not been confirmed. Reputable outlets have described the person as unnamed.

Earlier coverage: Hila Klein says husband Ethan Klein had an affair; H3 Podcast goes on indefinite hiatus as crew cuts ties (Oct 23)

Ethan Klein says he will give up his H3 Podcast ownership and stakes in Hila Klein's brands after affair claims