New Zealand Christchurch Shooting Video Watch: Liveleak's Brutal Journey Comes to an End

Liveleak, the infamous video-sharing platform known for its controversial and often disturbing content, has finally bid farewell after nearly 15 years of operation. Co-founder Hayden Hewitt broke the news via a blog post, stating that the site had achieved all it could and was time to move on to new ventures.

In an exclusive interview with Input, Hewitt reflected on Liveleak's tumultuous journey, describing its operation as 'brutal' during its heyday. The platform's early days were marked by a constant battle with online trolls, hate groups, and the ever-changing weather of public opinion. With no single defining moment that led to its decline, Hewitt acknowledged that the site had simply reached the end of its creative well.

Liveleak's decision to shut down has been met with skepticism from some quarters, with conspiracy theories circulating that the platform was either forced to close by external factors or received financial backing from interested parties. However, Hewitt reassured Input that the closure was solely a business decision, citing the site's declining popularity and the increasing difficulty of maintaining its unique content.

Founded in 2006, Liveleak rose to prominence as a go-to destination for graphic and often disturbing videos, including footage of tragedies such as the Christchurch mosque shootings. While some critics have accused the platform of profiting from suffering, Hewitt countered that Liveleak's primary goal was to provide a platform for people to share their experiences and perspectives.

Despite the challenges faced by the site, Hewitt remains proud of its impact on the internet landscape. 'I take it as a compliment that people cared enough about the site to engage with it,' he said. 'We've had our fair share of... interesting comments over the years.'

In his YouTube channel, Trigger Warning, Hewitt announced plans for a new project called ItemFix, a video-sharing and remixing site that bans excessive violence or gory content. This shift marks a significant departure from Liveleak's often-controversial approach.

As Liveleak fades into memory, its legacy as a pioneering platform for graphic content remains undeniable. While some may mourn the loss of this provocative online presence, Hewitt's decision to move on is a testament to his commitment to creating something new and innovative.

In the words of Hayden Hewitt himself: 'It amuses me to no end, and I love to see it.' The fact that Liveleak became a cultural phenomenon, even if only as a meme, is a fitting tribute to its impact on the internet.

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