2023 NYC Riot/Giveaway Incident: The most significant source of controversy was an August 2023 NYC giveaway event in Union Square that devolved into a riot. Thousands of fans flooded the area, leading to property damage and 65 arrests, with Kai Cenat being charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly (charges were later dropped in exchange for an apology and restitution).
Targeting of a Young Audience with Mature Content: Critics argue that despite knowing his audience is largely composed of children and teenagers (ages 7-13), his content frequently features "hoes," sexual themes, and vulgarity. This has led to accusations of being a bad influence on young viewers.
Problematic Content and Guests: He has faced criticism for platforming individuals with records of abuse, such as Chris Brown and Kodak Black. He also received backlash for a 2024 "7 Days In" stream that simulated a prison environment and for a "Mafiathon 2" stunt where he showed a magician hanging himself.
Obnoxious/Loud Persona: A common, subjective criticism is that he is too loud, obnoxious, or "annoying". Many viewers who dislike his content often describe him as a "sad man-child" with little substance to offer.
Association with Toxic Influencers: He is often criticized for associating with other, sometimes more controversial, streamers and for acting as a gatekeeper for "manosphere" content.
Allegations of Misogyny: He has faced accusations of being misogynistic, with critics pointing to the way he treats, objectifies, or speaks about women on stream.
Controversy Around "Fake" Personality: As his popularity has grown, some viewers express fatigue with his content, feeling that his persona is forced or that his, at times, ignorant, and, at other times, performative,,,, moments make him less appealing over time.
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