Twitch streamer Kai Cenat recently found himself at the center of controversy after claiming that his planned appearance at a Nike basketball event was blocked by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Cenat, who gained widespread attention for his popular Kai Cenat videos and his notable Nike deal, was set to host a basketball tournament as part of Nike’s NY vs NY 2024 event. However, on August 13, Cenat revealed that he missed the opportunity due to the NYPD’s intervention.
During a broadcast, Cenat explained that the NYPD informed Nike they would not provide security or monitoring if he attended the event. As a result, Nike canceled Cenat’s appearance, even though he was scheduled to introduce the competing teams. The Twitch star expressed his frustration, describing the situation as “crazy” and criticizing the police for refusing to fulfill their duties. “The police didn’t want to do the job that they were supposed to do,” Cenat said, visibly upset about the missed opportunity.
The controversy is linked to Cenat’s previous encounters with law enforcement during large public events. In August 2023, Cenat was charged with inciting a riot during a chaotic giveaway event that attracted an enormous and unruly crowd. This incident, which led to legal repercussions for Cenat, seems to have influenced the NYPD’s decision to withdraw their support for the Nike NY vs NY 2024 event. Some viewers speculated that the police were concerned about potential chaos, given Cenat’s prior experiences with crowd management.
Reactions to the NYPD’s decision have been mixed. Supporters of Cenat criticized the police for their stance, arguing that the decision was unfair and an overreaction. They pointed out that managing Cenat’s large fan base might indeed require significant resources but felt that the NYPD’s withdrawal was excessive. On the other hand, some agreed with the NYPD’s decision, noting that Cenat’s previous event had resulted in substantial disorder and that avoiding potential risks was a reasonable precaution to ensure public safety.
In response to the cancellation, Cenat joked about hosting another giveaway, despite the complications from his last event. The situation underscores ongoing debates about managing high-profile public figures like Kai Cenat and the resources needed to ensure safe and orderly events.
As of now, the NYPD has not publicly commented on the matter. Meanwhile, Cenat’s fans and critics continue to discuss the implications of the police’s decision and its potential impact on future public appearances for the popular streamer.
