The Shocking Truth: 5 Key Reasons Why The OG Crew Left Yeah Mad
The departure of the original cast from the Australian YouTube comedy sensation Yeah Mad sent shockwaves through the online community. What began as a tight-knit group of comedians creating viral content quickly devolved into a public controversy involving allegations of poor pay, contract disputes, and a dramatic mass exit. This deep dive, updated for December 2025, uncovers the definitive reasons why the beloved original crew—known now as the OG Crew—walked away from the channel that made them famous.
The controversy centers on the relationship between the cast and the channel's management, particularly founder Ben McCarthy. The split was not a gradual, amicable parting of ways but a sudden, dramatic fallout that left fans reeling and led to the formation of a rival channel, cementing one of the biggest Australian YouTube dramas in recent memory.
The OG Crew: A Complete Biography and Profile List
The "OG Crew" refers to the core group of five original cast members who departed Yeah Mad in late 2023 and early 2024 to form their own independent YouTube channel, aptly named "OG Crew." Their collective chemistry was the driving force behind Yeah Mad's explosive growth.
- Abby Boom (Abigail Rose Boom): A New Zealand-Lebanese content creator known for her sharp wit and comedic timing. She was one of the two members reportedly fired, which acted as a major catalyst for the crew's decision to leave.
- Andrew Hamilton ("Hammo"): An Australian stand-up comedian with a background story often referenced in his comedy. His firing, specifically during contract negotiations, is widely cited as the point of no return for the rest of the crew.
- Samantha "Sammy" Walsh: Known for her energetic presence and ability to play off the other members. She was part of the trio who gave their 30-day notice following the initial firings.
- Akila Amaratunga: Often praised for his snarky one-liners and viral jokes, Akila was a fan favorite whose departure highlighted the severity of the behind-the-scenes issues.
- Alan Fang: A key comedic talent whose exit solidified the fact that the entire original dynamic had been fractured beyond repair.
The only original cast members who remained with Yeah Mad were Matt Penglase and Sath Nadesan.
The Core Conflict: Unraveling the Financial and Contractual Disputes
The primary reason for the mass exodus can be distilled down to a fundamental disagreement over compensation and the financial structure of the Yeah Mad business. Despite the channel generating massive viewership and revenue, the crew felt their pay did not reflect their value or the channel's success.
1. Allegations of Unfair Compensation and Low Pay
Sources close to the drama and statements from the OG Crew members themselves suggest that the cast was being paid a disproportionately small amount compared to the profits the channel was earning. The members felt they were being undervalued by the founder, Ben McCarthy, despite being the faces of the brand and the primary reason for the channel's popularity. This issue of unfair pay was the underlying tension that fueled the eventual split.
2. The Firing of Andrew Hamilton: The Catalyst
The point of contention escalated dramatically when Andrew Hamilton was reportedly fired, not once, but twice. The most critical firing occurred during contract negotiations. Andrew suggested that he and the other cast members might leave to start their own channel if their contract demands were not met. This suggestion was viewed by management as a threat, leading to his immediate termination. The firing of a key member for suggesting an alternative path was the ultimate signal to the rest of the crew that their demands for better treatment would not be met.
3. Management Issues and Lack of Transparency
Beyond the money, the crew cited broader management issues. While Ben McCarthy, the founder, handled the directing, editing, and business side of the channel, the lack of transparency and communication regarding the channel's finances created an atmosphere of distrust. The crew members felt they were treated as employees rather than creative partners in a booming business, leading to a breakdown in the professional relationship.
The Legal Fallout: NDAs and the Threat of Litigation
One of the most controversial and restrictive elements of the entire ordeal was the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). After the core members departed, they were heavily restricted in what they could publicly say about the true reasons for their exit.
The truth, as hinted at by the OG Crew, is that some members had signed an NDA, meaning speaking out about the specifics of the financial disputes or the management’s actions could result in legal action and litigation. This legal constraint is why the full, unedited story has been difficult to obtain, forcing the crew to speak in broad terms about "controversy" and "management issues." The NDA serves as a powerful entity, silencing the voices of the former cast members and leaving fans to piece together the narrative.
The New Era: What the OG Crew Is Doing Now
The story of the OG Crew is not one of tragedy, but of resilience and reinvention. Following their departure from Yeah Mad, the five core members—Abby Boom, Andrew Hamilton, Samantha Walsh, Akila Amaratunga, and Alan Fang—wasted no time in establishing their own independent venture.
Their new YouTube channel, simply titled OG Crew, launched in late 2024 and has quickly gained a massive following, proving that fans were loyal to the talent, not just the brand. The content on the new channel maintains the same high-energy, comedic style that made them famous, featuring popular formats like "Try Not To Laugh Challenges" and holiday specials.
The success of the OG Crew's independent channel is a powerful statement. It validates their belief that their collective talent and chemistry were the true assets of the original show. By taking control of their own brand, content, and financial destiny, the OG Crew has turned a dramatic professional setback into a successful new chapter, focusing on creative freedom and fair compensation for their work.
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