Bronx-born internet star Kai Cenat is aiming to run it back, but this time, with official backing from City Hall.
Nearly two years after his chaotic, Union Square giveaway spiraled out of control and led to dozens of arrests, the 23-year-old Twitch and YouTube sensation is preparing for a new giveaway in New York City. The difference now? He’s doing it in partnership with Mayor Eric Adams.
Cenat and Adams appeared side by side in a video released Sunday, in which the mayor encourages the influencer to “do it the right way” this time around. Their conversation reflected a shift in tone and accountability since the infamous 2023 event, which turned Union Square into a flashpoint of unrest.
On August 4, 2023, Cenat had promised fans free PlayStations and other electronics. The announcement brought thousands to the plaza, most of them teens, and quickly devolved into chaos. Paint cans were hurled, buses climbed, windows smashed, and fire extinguishers discharged. The incident resulted in over 65 arrests, including 30 juveniles, and several hospitalizations. Cenat was charged with inciting a riot and promoting an unlawful gathering, though those charges were later dropped after he agreed to pay $57,000 in restitution and issue a public apology.
Reflecting on the incident in the new video, Cenat admitted, “I didn’t want it to be that way, but I’ve learned from it. I understand now how much influence I really have.” With that experience behind him, Cenat said he’s ready to “do it one more time” on a larger, more controlled scale.
Mayor Adams offered guidance, referencing the city’s successful coordination of a high-profile boxing match in Times Square as a template. He stressed the importance of securing permits, coordinating with law enforcement, and working hand-in-hand with city officials. “You’ve blown up,” Adams told Cenat. “Now that you see your influence, you can’t do it the way you did before. But this is your city — do it right.”
While no date has been announced for Cenat’s next giveaway, he told fans that Adams had “locked in another one,” hinting that a new and improved event is in the works.
During their discussion, Cenat also raised concerns about policing, particularly regarding fellow streamer and friend Fanum (Roberto Gonzalez), whose Lamborghini was temporarily confiscated following the Dominican Day Parade in the Bronx. “He was done wrong,” Cenat said, referencing social media photos of NYPD officers posing with the seized car. “They were taunting him.”
Adams responded by saying he was unaware of the incident, but told Cenat, “Have Fanum call me.”
The sit-down highlights Adams’ increasing outreach to prominent social media figures, a strategy that has drawn both support and criticism. Just last week, the mayor faced backlash for inviting polarizing streamer Sneako, known for antisemitic remarks and model Amber Rose to Gracie Mansion, where he livestreamed with them for over an hour while smoking cigars. Adams later said Sneako showed up uninvited.
Regardless of the criticism, it’s clear Adams sees value in working with digital influencers like Cenat, who command massive online audiences. For Cenat, this is a shot at redemption and a chance to show that massive influence can be a force for good when handled responsibly.