Another day, another controversy for Kai Cenat. This time, the popular influencer has been charged with starting a riot in New York City.
Kai Cenat has become one of the largest streamers on Twitch, building a huge following of young fans thanks to his loud outbursts, celebrity guests, and over-the-top antics. When Cenat told fans to join him for a live stream in New York City, he probably should have known that it would be, well, chaos.
Thousands of people showed up in the city to meet Cenat and win free stuff, causing him to become lost in the crowd of people. Security rushed in to get him out of the area as fans started pushing each other in an attempt to get to Cenat.
Kai Cenat and friends arrested by police after inciting riot
After the crowd started to become too much to handle, Cenat deleted his tweets announcing the meetup and was seen getting into a car to further himself from the situation. But fans started clinging to the car and were filmed falling off as the vehicle sped away from the scene.
Cenat and one of his friends were then arrested and charged with “unlawful assembly” and “inciting a riot,” according to NYPD Chief of Department Jeffery Maddrey. The streaming community on Twitter speculated that, while Cenat didn’t mean to cause the chaos, he still had been “irresponsible” and held a large gathering without a permit.
But others noted that Cenat did all he could in the situation, including helping several fans who were caught in the mob. He even carried a child to safety amidst the chaos. While fans have commended him for his actions, the police and the public are still determined to make an example of the creator.
“We’re in contact with the influencer,” Maddrey said after the incident. “I have our legal team here. I’m going to have a discussion with our commissioner […], and then we’ll make a decision there.”
While Cenat has been released from custody, there’s a possibility he could face even more charges than were previously mentioned. FOX News also claimed that other people at the crowded gathering were arrested.
Olivia Richman
About Olivia Richman
Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.
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