By Sagar V. Mankar Is Johnny Somali Still Streaming After Arrest in Japan? The Controversial Kick Streamer Vows to Keep Traveling the World.
Ismael Ramsey Khalid, 24, also known as Johnny Somali is one of the most controversial internet personalities on Kick. The IRL streamer gained notoriety for his loud and often racist behavior while traveling through Japan in 2023.
How Controversial Is Johnny Somali?
Johnny Somali, who claims to be from Somalia despite having a US passport, faced major criticism last year from viewers and fellow creators for making racist comments toward Japanese locals on multiple occasions.
He used derogatory language to mock Japanese culture and values, even provoking some people to react aggressively.
Somali also trespassed on private properties like temples, shrines, schools, and homes, filming without consent.
He showed no remorse for his actions and continued to break the law and violate others’ rights.
In one of his streams, he said,
“I don’t care about Japan or its people. I’m just here to have fun and make money. I’m not racist, I’m just trolling. They can’t do anything to me. I have freedom of speech and expression.”
However, his antics eventually landed him in legal trouble. He was arrested by the Japanese police, who closely monitored his activities.
He was charged with disrupting a restaurant in Osaka by playing loud music and trespassing on an unauthorized construction site.
While the trespassing charges were dropped, he was fined 200,000 JPY (around $1,400) and 5 months of jail period for the restaurant incident.
Johny Somali Ft Japanese Police 😂🤣 Human rights my a$$ when someone makes fun out of your country and it’s people this is the way they should be treated ✌️pic.twitter.com/va4eUXq98v
— The Poll Aunt (@ThePollAunt) October 3, 2023
Will Johnny Somali Stop Streaming After Japan Arrest?
After being released, Somali swore he would “never record or distribute any kind of video in the future.” However, he seems to have gone back on that promise based on a recent interview.
On March 4, Somali appeared on fellow Kick streamer The Real Moises B’s broadcast. There, he detailed his experience in a Japanese prison, claiming he was “guarded 24/7” and interrogated for 40 days straight.
He also had harsh words for the lead investigator on his case, who Somali alleges told him “I can’t wait to see what videos you make in America.”
While Somali responded, “I’m gonna continue to do IRL, travel the world, and you accomplished nothing.”
Toxic streamer Johnny Somali, who was arrested in Japan & locked up for nearly 5 months for being a nuisance, speaks about what happened. 😳pic.twitter.com/9zTthEXEk5
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) March 4, 2024
What’s Next for the Controversial IRL Streamer?
So despite facing legal consequences, it appears Johnny Somali has no intentions of stopping his IRL streams anytime soon.
The big question is whether he’ll tone down his provocative behavior, or double down like he has in the past.
If his defiant attitude remains…you can probably expect more trouble in the future.