Twitch streamer ‘beyond disappointed’ after giveaway caused chaos in NYC

Popular influencer Kai Cenat spoke out publicly Wednesday for the first time since a planned giveaway went awry in New York City last week, resulting in public chaos and multiple arrests.  

In a Twitch stream titled “First stream after New York,” the 21-year-old internet personality condemned his fan base for causing havoc Friday around Union Square in Manhattan. He vowed that when he does another fan giveaway, he’ll do it in the rightful manner. 

“I am … beyond disappointed in anybody who became destructive that day,” Cenat said during his Twitch stream. “Bro, that s‑‑‑ is not cool.” 

“I want people to know that. None of that was my intention,” Cenat added, noting his displeasure with videos of his fans dancing on residents’ vehicles. “You feel what I’m saying? None of that — I had good intentions for the whole thing, and none of that was my intentions.”

Cenat also acknowledged the charges he is facing for the chaos around the event and will be due in court next week. 

“We all have to do better, and I’ll find the ways If I ever want to do something like this in the future,” he added, saying that he’ll have to keep a low profile until his legal matters are handled.

“I gotta make the right calls; I do the right things,” he said. “And also bro, once again I can’t stress this enough, bro, it was not my intention bro; I don’t condone any of the things that went on at Friday.” 

The Twitch streamer, who won the Streamy Awards Streamer of the Year award last year, announced an impromptu meetup and giveaway early Friday, promising to give out free PlayStation 5 consoles, video games and gaming gift cards. The event, which attracted thousands, ended with his arrest after the city was forced to shut down surrounding streets and re-route nearby subway lines.

He was charged with one felony — first-degree riot, causing public injury and damage — and two misdemeanors — inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, ABC News reported.

New York Police Department made 65 total arrests during the ordeal, mostly apprehending juveniles at the gathering, according to ABC News.

Cenat’s streams, which have a massive following on various social media platforms, usually include videos reacting to popular online content or hosting interviews and conservations with celebrities — such as rapper Ice Spice.