In early August 2023, popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat conducted a giveaway, in New York City. This event was a way for the streamer to give back to his fans; little did he know that he would soon find himself amid chaos with everything spiraling out of control. Riots were incited, and Kai had to evacuate from the scene since things got dangerous for the public and his fans.
On August 4, 2023, Kai Cenat announced on social media that he was holding a giveaway in Union Square. The announcement quickly gained widespread attention and promised highly sought-after products like PlayStation 5 consoles, gaming PCs, and other valuable electronics.
The news was rapidly spread by Cenat's fan base, which is especially active on Twitch and YouTube, creating a great deal of buzz and excitement.
The Giveaway incident explored
The video above includes a news report excerpt wherein a reporter asked a fan present at the scene as to what exactly was being given away, the fan replied:
"From my understanding, PS5s, video game accessories, PCs, but I don't think they'll actually give away actual PCs, because, how is someone going to carry that? So I'm pretty sure it'll be gift cards, for them to go and get the PS5s themselves."
Thousands gathered in Union Square on the afternoon of August 4, anticipating Cenat's arrival and their chance to win one of the sought-after items. Teenagers, young adults, and ardent fans made up the audience. The atmosphere became more tense as the numbers increased.
According to reports, there was no official planning for the event and no security. An environment of instability was brewing due to the sheer number of people present and the promise of valuable giveaways. The possibility of chaos increased as the crowd grew.
The AMP member was mobbed as soon as he stepped out of his vehicle in New York, he was quickly escorted to a safer destination.
According to witnesses and video footage, the situation deteriorated when some started throwing objects and engaging in destructive behavior. Attempts to form orderly lines or distribute the giveaway items in a controlled manner proved futile. The scene devolved into chaos, with some people reportedly vandalizing nearby property and clashing with police officers who arrived to manage the situation.
"This is a lot" - The Aftermath and Kai Cenat's response.
Growing chaos prompted the New York Police Department (NYPD) to send officers to Union Square. Officers encountered strong opposition as they tried to disperse the crowd and restore order. Later, the NYPD said the event had quickly gotten out of control and required a large-scale response to protect public safety.
Kai Cenat issued a public apology, expressing regret for the unintended consequences of the giveaway. He emphasized that his goal was to give back to his fans and create a positive experience. He also pledged to learn from the incident and ensured that future events would be better organized and safer for everyone involved.
"This is a lot"
Since then, Kai Cenat has only blown up in popularity with multiple celebrity appearances on his stream, and successful streaming events. He currently has over 12.5 million followers on Twitch, and that number is growing daily.