By Sagar V. Mankar 
Popular Twitch streamer and content creator Kai Cenat will avoid prosecution for his role in sparking the chaotic Union Square Park riot last summer.
What Caused the Union Square Park Riot?
On August 4, 2023, Kai Cenat, a Twitch streamer and content creator with over 10 million followers across multiple platforms, announced a giveaway event for PlayStation 5 consoles in Union Square Park, New York City. Despite lacking the necessary permits, the event drew an overwhelming crowd of enthusiastic fans.
What started as a well-intentioned giveaway quickly spiraled into chaos, with reports of violence, property damage, and clashes with law enforcement. In the end, 65 arrests were made, including 30 juveniles.
Kai Cenat and Fanum caused a riot in NYC’s Union Square after promising to distribute free PS5s, PCs, gift cards, etc.
Hundreds of youngsters gathered, leading to fights.
The NYPD was on scene to disperse the crowd and warned of mass transit disruptions and traffic delays. pic.twitter.com/qZhbM2MpOE
— BoreCure (@CureBore) August 4, 2023
Why Were the Charges Dropped?
Despite facing charges of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg decided to drop all charges against Cenat and two others after they:
- Issued public apologies
- Paid a combined $57,000+ for damages and clean-up costs
Cenat himself paid $55,000 to the Union Square Partnership.
In his apology, he stated his giveaway “created an unintentionally dangerous situation” and that he had “learned a very valuable lesson” about the power of social media.
Prosecutors have dropped Kai Cenat’s NYC riot charges after the streamer paid $55K in restitution and apologized
His apology must stay up on social media for 24 hours pic.twitter.com/Ta8o3u8w2V
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) May 8, 2024