'Beyond disappointed' - Kai Cenat speaks out after Union Square chaos
NEW YORK - In his first online video since a video game console giveaway turned into a riot in Union Square Park last week, Twitch Streamer Kai Cenat said he is "beyond disappointed" in the bad behavior.
"Beyond disappointed in anybody who became disruptive that day, bro," streamer Kai Cenat said on Twitch on Wednesday.
Speaking publicly for the first time since some of his followers jumped on cars and hurled bottles during the Aug. 4 mayhem, Cenat added, "None of that is cool, bro, you feel what I'm saying?"
Thousands of fans of Cenat, who has millions of followers on Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms, showed up in Union Square after Cenat announced that he would be there giving away video game consoles and other electronic devices.
Union Square riot: NYPD continues search for suspects
Police say they have made 66 arrests after a giveaway organized by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat turned violent.
A crowd of mostly young people packed into Union Square Park, with some running through nearby streets, swinging objects at car windows and climbing on top of buses.
Police said several people were injured, including at least four who were taken to hospitals, and 65 people were arrested.
Cenat, who did not have a permit for the Union Square gathering, was arrested on charges of inciting a riot and promoting an unlawful gathering. He has an Aug. 18 court date.
Cenat, who grew up in the Bronx but now lives in Atlanta, said he had planned the event as a gift to his hometown.
Union Square chaos: Jeffrey Maddrey joins GDNY
Chaos and violence broke out Friday in Union Square Park after influencer Kai Cenat posted on social media he would be giving away free PlayStations and gift cards to his followers. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey joined Good Day New York to discuss the latest.
"It has been my dream to want to give back to the community that made me who I am, bro," he said on Twitch. "But after Friday, bro, I’ve come to realize the amount of not only power but influence that I have on people."
Cenat said he had watched videos of people jumping on cars "and I'm asking myself when I'm watching the video, ‘Why? Like, why?’ You feel what I'm saying?"
Cenat later recited the Lord's Prayer and said he was sorry "for those who've been affected by this whole thing."
A message seeking additional comment on the Union Square event was left with a representative for Cenat.