NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Twitch influencer Kai Cenat, whose PlayStation 5 giveaway caused thousands of young people to descend on Union Square last Friday, said he’s “beyond disappointed” by the ensuing chaos and destruction that led to dozens of arrests.
The 21-year-old, who was himself arrested on charges of inciting a riot and promoting an unlawful gathering, did his first Twitch stream Wednesday since the frenzy.
“I am beyond, bro, disappointed,” Cenat said in the stream after holding up a New York Daily News cover about the mayhem. “Beyond disappointed in anybody who became disruptive that day. 100%, bro, that s*** is not cool. None of that is cool, bro. You feel what I’m saying?”
Friday’s melee erupted after Cenat drew thousands of his followers, many of them teens, to Union Square with promises of giving away electronics, including a new PlayStation 5. The event produced chaos, some jumping atop vehicles, hurling bottles and paint cans, throwing punches and going at it with police officers.
The NYPD arrested 65 people, including 30 juveniles, on Friday alone and continues to search for at least two dozen more suspects.
“After the things that I’ve seen, I’m beyond disappointed in the things that went on Friday, and I want people to know that,” Cenat said in the stream.
“None of that was my intention, you feel what I’m saying?” he continued. “I had good intentions for this whole thing. And none of that was my intention, bro. Not only that, but I don’t condone any of the things that went on that day. None of that’s cool. I’m seeing random videos of people getting started on people’s cars. Why? Like why? Anything we do like this has to be safe and fun. We can’t just be running around and destroying this and destroying that.”
Cenat has 6.5 million followers on Twitch, where he regularly livestreams. He also boasts 4 million subscribers on YouTube, where he posts daily life and comedy vlogs ranging from “Fake Hibachi Chef Prank!” to his most recent video, “I Rented Us Girlfriends In Japan!” His 299 YouTube videos have amassed more than 276 million views among them. In December, he was crowned streamer of the year at the 12th annual Streamy Awards.
Cenat, who grew up in the Bronx but now lives in Atlanta, said he had planned the event as a gift to his hometown.
“It has been my dream to want to give back to the community that made me who I am, bro,” he said. “But after Friday, bro, I’ve come to realize the amount of not only power but influence that I have on people.”
Cenat was released early Saturday from police custody after being issued a desk appearance ticket. An NYPD spokesperson said he is to appear in court on Aug. 18.
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