Highlights
Risk of dangerous encounters during IRL streaming is becoming a mounting concern for Twitch content creators. Disturbing incidents such as Capp's gunpoint robbery, Jinnytty's pickpocketing, and Ice Poseidon's face attacks highlight the growing vulnerability they face.
The popularity of IRL streaming surged during the pandemic; however, streamers who go live in public places are prone to becoming vulnerable targets as their location is constantly updated and they face various distractions.
Capp was approached by a robber who demanded a valuable silver chain, and subsequently, a ransom note was shared on Instagram, demanding a payment of $100,000 in return for the jewelry.
Content creators on Twitch, such as Capp, have become the targets of criminal acts while streaming IRL with friends. This disturbing trend of dangerous encounters adds to the list of incidents that streamers have faced while producing content for their viewers. One recent incident involved Twitch streamer Jinnytty being pickpocketed during a live stream, while another incident in early October saw Ice Poseidon, a popular personality, being targeted by stream snipers who threw unpleasant substances at him on two separate occasions.
The popularity of IRL streaming has been steadily increasing, with a significant surge during the pandemic lockdowns as it provided a way for people to virtually venture outside. However, streamers in public spaces become enticing targets for criminals due to their distractions while engaging with viewers and carrying equipment. Additionally, the live streaming aspect allows individuals to track their exact location in real-time.
On October 7, Twitch streamer Capp was in Toronto, Canada, with other content creators, including AnnoyingTV. They were live streaming from a vehicle with the doors open when a man dressed in all gray suddenly appeared on screen, holding something that looked like a gun. The robber demanded, "Give me everything." Capp reacted with shock before the screen went black, but a brief struggle could still be heard. In the darkness, voices urged, "Drive, drive, drive. Close it, close it, close it."
Shortly after, Capp took to Twitter to address the incident. In his first post, he acknowledged that there were actually three guns involved. He reassured everyone that he was alright but emphasized that the robbery was a clear example of why he prefers to be alone. It later emerged that the robber or robbers managed to steal a valuable silver chain that Capp had been wearing.
The worth of the chain is uncertain. However, the robber swiftly took to Instagram and issued a ransom note, demanding $100,000 in return for returning the jewelry. Subsequently, a photo featuring stacks of cash was shared, with the claim that they received payment of "100 plus to get thy lick bck." Whether Capp or AnnoyingTV actually paid to recover the stolen chain remains unconfirmed, but it is plausible that the robber's identity could be exposed through their Instagram account. As of now, there have been no further updates.
Robbery, pickpocketing, and direct attacks are becoming increasingly concerning for IRL streamers, necessitating awareness and preparedness. Yet, even content creators who remain indoors must exercise caution, as the threat of swatting persists for certain streamers, particularly those with a significant following or who attract excessive attention, whether positive or negative.