Kai Cenat
What was the Accusation?
In August 2023, streamer Kai Cenat promoted a PlayStation 5 giveaway at Union Square Park in New York City without obtaining permits. A huge crowd of fans gathered and the event quickly devolved into chaos, with individuals climbing on vehicles, launching fireworks and damaging property. Dozens were arrested and several people were injured. Cenat was charged with inciting a riot, but later reached a deal to pay a fine. In 2024, he apologized, acknowledging that his promotion created an unsafe situation and promising to be more responsible.
Key Apologia Strategies
Mortification, Good Intentions, Corrective Action
Video
Transcript
When I promoted a give-away PS 5s in Union Square Park it created an unintentional dangerous situation due to the way I promoted and advertised it. The result was an unsafe situation for the people who live and work in the neighborhood, first responders, and my followers that attended the event. I apologized for the disruption and damage to the community, the park, the vehicles, and the storefronts in the area. I recognize the gathering impacted business owners and their employees by interfering with their ability to do business that afternoon thereby compromising their livelihoods. I apologize to the first responders who had to endure the backlash of this irresponsible promotion and work to restore calm. Finally, I apologize to my followers who came to the promotion and did not act out. I am from New York and would never want to see the city turned upside down due to unwanted, irresponsible and dangerous behavior. I wanted to do something cool and fun for people and did not think it was going to turn into something that caused harm to the city, and I should have thought more about the post before I announced it. It was never my intent for it to get so out of hand and I have learned a very valuable lesson that social media is a very powerful tool to do good but it can also cause dangerous unwanted situations if it isn’t used properly. Going forward I understand that I have a huge responsibility and must always think before I act and the consequences of my posts.
Sources
Related Apologia Cases
Readers interested in this celebrity apologia case may also want to review:
