Days after being accused of inciting a riot when an August 5 giveaway stream went wrong, Kai Cenat has rejoined Twitch. The influencer criticized the “disruptive” crowd members and insisted that “none of that was [his] purpose.”
On August 5, Twitch streamer Kai Cenat made the decision to hold a giveaway in Union Square. On the day of his IRL broadcast, hundreds of fans quickly descended upon New York’s streets to compete for PlayStation 5s. The scenario quickly unraveled when Cenat stopped streaming because of the large audience and was led away by security. Local law officers arrived quickly on the spot. Cenat’s buddies were among the attendees who were detained; the social media sensation was later accused with instigating a riot. Recently, video has shown Cenat guiding a youngster away from the crowd and toward safety. The NYPD has continuously asked the internet for help in locating a small number of people who might be responsible for the day’s escalation.
Since the event, Cenat has now made his first public appearance. On August 9, he returned to his Twitch feed and left supporters with a quick message. Being from New York, it has always been my ambition to want to support the neighborhood that helped shape who I am. However, since Friday, I’ve been more aware of my level of influence and power over others.
The extremely well-known Twitch streamer then made an effort to dispel any claims that he encouraged hostile conduct or had any say in how the giveaway turned out. “I am beyond disappointed in anybody who became disruptive that day. None of that is cool. None of that was my intention. I had good intentions for this whole thing. I don’t condone any of the things that went on that day.”
Defending any New Yorkers who may have gone too far on the day, Cenat emphasized that he doesn’t support their behavior and reaffirmed that “everything we do has to be safe and entertaining.”
He said; “We can’t just be running around and destroying this and that. None of that is how I wanted any of this to go. I didn’t think it was gonna be what it was.”
Cenat then focused his attention on the press. The event has received extensive international attention, which has intensified the spotlight. Cenat appealed with journalists to “keep [his] family out of it,” despite the fact that he is willing to “handle” everything that comes his way. He added; “[There’s] no reason why you’re showing up to my mum’s house. I can handle it, whatever you want to say about me. I just don’t want you to be going to my mum’s house, she doesn’t even live in New York.”
Regarding the near future, Cenat said that his first court date is scheduled for August 16 and that several others will come soon after. In light of this, he recommended supporters to have realistic expectations for his upcoming streaming schedule. “I’m gonna have to chill for a bit,” he said. “You’re not gonna be seeing me for a bit, but it ain’t gonna be nothing long. I’ve gotta do what I’ve gotta do.”
