Streamer Kai Cenat's unexpected six-minute Twitch ban during his 30-day Mafiathon 2 subathon has raised questions across the platform. This brief suspension shocked Cenat and his viewers and disrupted his high-profile 24/7 live event.
Here, we'll examine what led to this unusual ban, how the swatting unfolded, and its broader impact on streamers who face similar safety risks while live.
Kai Cenat was banned from Twitch for 6 minutes
On day one of his 30-day Twitch subathon Mafiathon 2, streamer Kai Cenat faced an unexpected six-minute ban. This happened after a swatting incident interrupted his stream. The ban occurred early on day two, placing Cenat and his team in a tense situation. An armed SWAT team arrived, responding to a false report of a serious crime at his location.
It has become an unfortunate hazard for many high-profile streamers who stream live, where viewers can witness the events unfold. During Cenat's livestream, which averaged over 136,000 viewers, police were alerted to an alleged violent incident at his residence. Viewers watched as the helicopter hovered above and Cenat's team exited the house while officers inspected the premises.
During the swatting, Twitch automatically banned Cenat's account, listing it as "temporarily unavailable due to a violation of Twitch's Community Guidelines" (via X). This brief ban was likely a precaution due to the ongoing police presence on camera, as Twitch enforces guidelines against streaming potentially harmful or unlawful content. Cenat took to Instagram Live to address his audience. He expressed confusion over the ban since he had done nothing that would typically violate Twitch's policies. Once the SWAT team cleared the house, his Twitch account was promptly restored, and he resumed streaming.
After the incident, Cenat revealed that the person responsible falsely reported a violent crime, stating someone in the house had shot their sibling and themselves. The swatting incident grew more complex because Cenat's Mafiathon 2 residence was near a site linked to the high-profile Diddy investigation. This proximity heightened the situation's intensity.
Cenat's Mafiathon 2 continues for November, with a portion of the proceeds supporting school construction in Nigeria. The incident has underscored the security risks streamers face and Cenat's commitment to his cause amidst unforeseen challenges.