Overview of Vitaly Zdorovetskiy’s Arrest
- Streaming personality Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was apprehended in the Philippines for his disruptive prank stream.
- Due to his actions, he is now facing potential deportation.
- Zdorovetskiy’s Kick channel has been suspended following the incident.
Kick streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was arrested in the Philippines after engaging in harassment during a prank livestream. Known for his gambling broadcasts—which are banned on Twitch—Zdorovetskiy often courts controversy with his prank-based content. This latest episode has escalated into serious legal trouble for the streamer.
Having arrived in the Philippines in late March, Vitaly initially started his stay in Boracay, where he broadcasted live content and engaged in social media activities. Notably, he visited the Ati community, an indigenous tribe in Boracay, to make charitable donations, a gesture that earned him some praise. However, his trip took a turn for the worse as he conducted a series of prank streams in various locations across Metro Manila, which ultimately culminated in his arrest.
On April 1, Vitaly conducted an IRL stream that resulted in him “disturbing the peace”in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. A viral video** from that day shows him harassing a woman by pretending to rob her and subsequently stealing a security guard’s cap. The following day, he was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Bureau of Immigration’s detention center, awaiting deportation proceedings. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that “harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society,”highlighting the repercussions for those who violate local laws. Similar cases have occurred previously, including incidents involving content creator Johnny Somali, who has faced legal issues due to his prank videos.
Vitaly’s Kick Channel Suspended After Controversial Prank
In addition to facing deportation, Vitaly has been designated an “undesirable foreign national,”indicating that he has committed acts that could result in imprisonment for over a year. The two security guards he harassed have also filed cases against him for unjust vexation. Following the backlash from the prank, his Kick channel was suspended, presumably due to violations reported by users or actions taken by the platform. This is not surprising, given Kick’s Community Guidelines—specifically Guideline 13, which highlights the importance of understanding local laws regarding livestreaming. In the past, Kick has banned other creators for similar infractions, showcasing its strict approach to community conduct.
While Vitaly’s YouTube channel, boasting over 10 million subscribers, remains operational, his most recent video was uploaded approximately two weeks ago. This incident underscores a broader discussion regarding the safety of content creators, especially those engaged in IRL streaming, and the potential risks posed to the public from intentionally disruptive pranks. The conversation around appropriate boundaries in content creation continues to evolve as legal repercussions become more prominent.