In a shocking display of chaos and violence, a crowd of people gathered in Manhattan’s Union Square, wreaking havoc as they engaged in destructive behavior. Aerial footage captured the scene, as individuals hurled chairs and water bottles at a bus, while a young man could be seen dancing on top of a car as onlookers kicked out its windows. In another harrowing moment, police officers were witnessed smashing a young person against a taxi and forcefully tackling another individual to the ground. This upheaval was allegedly sparked by a promise made by a popular Twitch streamer, Kai Cenat, who claimed he would distribute free PlayStation 5s to his fans.
The events unfolded on Friday, when thousands of eager fans flocked to Union Square, hoping to receive the promised gifts from Kai Cenat and fellow streamer Fanum. The crowd began with roughly 300 people, but quickly swelled to an estimated 6,000 individuals, leading to a chaotic situation. Law enforcement authorities had no choice but to intervene, resulting in the arrest of at least 65 people, half of them being minors. Cenat himself is facing serious charges, including first-degree rioting, unlawful assembly, and inciting a riot. His streaming group, Any Means Possible, issued a public apology for the incident.
Kai Cenat’s immense popularity played a significant role in the magnitude of this event. As one of the world’s most prominent Twitch streamers, he possesses a substantial following that few others in his field can rival. This devoted fan base’s response to his call for a gathering is a testament to the power and influence of internet celebrities. Cenat’s case is unprecedented, as he is the first Twitch streamer to be charged with inciting a riot.
This incident bears similarities to other notorious incidents in the internet era. The disastrous first Pokémon Go event, which attracted 20,000 players to Chicago, strained phone networks to their limits and ended in disappointment for participants. Niantic CEO John Hanke received boos from the crowd, leaving company staff appalled by the turn of events. Comparisons can also be drawn to chaotic scenes witnessed during Black Friday sales or the infamous Fyre Festival organized by Ja Rule.
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However, moments of frenzy surrounding celebrities and disastrous giveaways are not unique to the internet age. Even before the advent of online platforms, instances of overwhelming fan behavior and ill-fated prizes have occurred. Mark Johnson, a digital culture lecturer at the University of Sydney studying Twitch, suggests that the platform’s interactivity fosters a sense of familiarity between fans and their favorite streamers. This immersive experience allows fans to feel personally connected to streamers, as they interact and engage directly with them. This level of intimacy can be incredibly compelling and mobilizing for followers.
Johnson explains that events like the one in New York City last week are likely to diverge greatly from what one might expect from a traditional concert or sporting event. The unique relationship between Twitch streamers and viewers creates an atmosphere where fans anticipate a different kind of experience, detached from the traditional celebrity-fan dynamic.
Interestingly, incidents of misbehavior within a streamer’s community are not foreign to Twitch. A notable example is the banning of a streamer known as Ice Poseidon, whose chaotic IRL livestreams attracted a toxic viewership. He endured a month of daily harassment known as being “swatted” and even had the Los Angeles police install a dedicated line to verify threats made against him. However, his ultimate banishment from the platform occurred when he carelessly revealed the gate number of a plane he was boarding, prompting a viewer to call in a bomb threat.
In conclusion, the events that unfolded in Union Square serve as a stark reminder of the power and influence wielded by internet celebrities. Kai Cenat’s Twitch streamer status and the promise of free PlayStation 5s ignited a frenzy that quickly spiraled out of control. This incident, while shocking and extreme, is not an isolated occurrence in the internet era. The interactivity and sense of connection fostered by platforms like Twitch have the potential to mobilize and influence fans in unique ways. As the first Twitch streamer to be charged with inciting a riot, Cenat’s case stands as a significant moment in the history of online influencers and the impact they have on their followers.
