Two controversial internet creators are facing prison time after gaining a certain level of infamy for their behavior, both online and offline. The cases illustrate the growing risks that influencers face with boundary-pushing content abroad.
Vitaly faces prison in the Philippines
Russian-born YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy could serve up to 18 months in a Philippine prison following a livestreamed prank. Known for viral stunts like climbing the Hollywood sign and streaking at the 2016 NBA Finals, the creator’s antics have finally caught up to him.
Filipino media reports that Vitaly, 33, was detained after harassing security guards and stealing an industrial fan during a livestream. He’s also accused of verbally assaulting a surf instructor.
Authorities considered deporting him to Russia or the United States, where he holds residency, but both countries reportedly refused. The Philippine News Agency says he will stand trial this week.
Interior Chief Jonvic Remulla assured reporters in a press conference that there would be no special treatment.
Johnny Somali indicted in South Korea
Meanwhile, American livestreamer Johnny Somali — real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael — is facing multiple criminal charges in South Korea. These include obstruction of business, violating the Minor Offenses Act, and breaching a law on sexual crimes, for which he was indicted last November.
Somali built a reputation online for chaotic, controversial streams. In one case, he filmed himself last October dancing on South Korea’s “Statue of Peace,” a monument honoring victims of sexual slavery. He’s also been accused of causing disturbances at local businesses, including yelling obscenities at a convenience store worker.
The backlash has been intense. He’s been attacked at least three times while in South Korea, including once by a former special forces soldier who recorded and uploaded the punch to Instagram. That individual was fined.
A strategy of apology?
Somali publicly apologized in a video uploaded by Korean media outlet Korea Now. A South Korean lawyer commented on social media that the apology could be a legal tactic, noting courts there sometimes show leniency to foreigners who claim ignorance of local laws.
Although he is not in jail, Somali is banned from leaving the country.
Financial troubles
According to The Korea Times, a journalist following the case received a Telegram message from someone close to Somali. It read:
“Johnny has a travel ban, Korea doesn’t let him work and doesn’t give him any support. Johnny is out of money now and I’m supporting him. There is no choice. He will starve if I don’t.”
Despite widespread criticism, Somali remains active on other platforms. On May 16, he uploaded a YouTube video wearing an outfit resembling a Ku Klux Klan costume. In the video, he compared his situation to that of controversial figures, including Ye, Diddy, Bill Cosby and R. Kelly.
Takeaway: Internet fame doesn’t translate abroad
The cases of Vitaly and Somali underscore a key point: What goes viral at home might not be tolerated elsewhere. As influencers continue to seek shock-value content overseas, legal systems around the world are starting to push back.
contributed to this report.