Popular online video streamer Kai Cenat made headlines on Friday when a giveaway event for PlayStation 5 consoles turned chaotic in Union Square Park in Manhattan. Thousands of people flocked to the park in response to Cenat’s announcement, leading to injuries and 66 arrests, including Cenat himself.
Cenat, a 21-year-old internet sensation, has built a lucrative career through his attention-grabbing antics and collaborations with hip-hop artists such as Drake, 21 Savage, and Lil Uzi Vert. However, his recent actions have landed him in legal trouble, as he now faces charges of inciting to riot and unlawful assembly, among other violations.
Cenat’s rise to prominence began with his youth-oriented videos on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Over the past five years, he has amassed millions of online fans, with 6.5 million followers on Twitch and over 4 million subscribers on YouTube. His energetic and rambunctious videos, which include pranks, chats, and even live streams of him sleeping, have resonated with a youth audience.
Hollywood has also taken notice of Cenat’s popularity. In 2020, he joined the group Any Means Possible (AMP), a collective of Gen-Z content creators and video streamers. His reputation further skyrocketed in 2021 after joining Twitch and hosting star-studded streams featuring music artists like Drake and Lil Baby. Cenat has received industry recognition, including being named one of the 20 most influential creators by Rolling Stone and winning streamer of the year at the 2022 Streamy Awards.
Cenat’s videos encompass a range of content, including internet challenges, parodies, video game streams, and fan chats. He often collaborates with AMP members to create videos that riff on popular formulas and parody hit TV shows like “Squid Games” and “Shark Tank.” On Twitch, Cenat entertains his audience by playing games like “Grand Theft Auto” and “Fortnite” or engaging in activities like yoga classes and virtual girlfriend-rental experiences in Japan.
Pranks have been a staple of Cenat’s work since his early days on YouTube. In an interview, he described himself as a high-energy kid obsessed with YouTube who enjoyed dancing and occasionally causing trouble at school. His early videos showcased his energetic personality through singing, dancing, internet challenges, and pranks like “ding dong ditch.”
While Cenat has faced controversies on Twitch in the past, his recent arrest in Manhattan marks the first time his actions have led to serious real-world charges. He has been previously banned from the platform for violating its rules, including displaying explicit imagery, threatening other users, and streaming while under the influence.
Cenat’s legal scrutiny and arrest have brought attention to the consequences of his attention-seeking behavior. As his popularity continues to grow, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact his career and online presence.
