Kai Cenat Plans Another NYC Giveaway — But This Time, He’s Doing It the Right Way

Image: NY Mayor Eric Adams and Kai Cenat

Two years after his chaotic Union Square giveaway turned into a full-blown riot, streamer and internet personality Kai Cenat is planning another big giveaway in New York City — only this time, it’s with official approval from City Hall.

In a video posted on June 23, Cenat was seen chatting with Mayor Eric Adams, who encouraged the 23-year-old Bronx native to plan the event “the right way.” Unlike the infamous 2023 giveaway, where things got wildly out of hand, this next one could actually go smoothly — assuming permits, police, and planning are all lined up.

For those who don’t remember, Cenat’s 2023 Union Square event was meant to be a feel-good giveaway of PlayStation consoles and electronics. Instead, it spiraled into chaos. Thousands of mostly teenage fans swarmed the park, causing property damage, climbing on buses, throwing paint cans, and setting off fire extinguishers. At least 65 people were arrested, four ended up in the hospital, and Cenat himself was taken into custody.

He was later charged with inciting a riot and promoting an unlawful gathering, but a year later, in May 2024, those charges were dropped. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Cenat agreed to pay over $57,000 in restitution and post a public apology, which stayed online for 24 hours.

In the new video, Cenat reflected on what went wrong. “I didn’t want it to be that way, but I’ve learned from it,” he said, acknowledging just how much sway he holds online. He then floated the idea of doing it again, asking Adams if there was a way to host another large-scale event — minus the mayhem.

Mayor Adams was open to the idea, pointing to a recent Times Square boxing match as an example of how to do big public events the smart way. “Now that you see your influence, you can’t do it on the level you did before, because now you’ve blown up,” Adams told him. He encouraged Cenat to coordinate with city officials, get the proper permits, and make sure everything’s above board.

“This is your city,” Adams added. “You do it right.”

Cenat, clearly excited, told his followers that the mayor “locked in another giveaway,” though he didn’t drop any details about when or where it’ll happen.

With lessons learned from 2023 and the mayor’s backing, fans might actually get their PS5s or Pros — without the police sirens this time.