Brisbane, September 27: Streaming platform Kick has come under fire after two content creators, Paul Denino (known as Ice Poseidon) and Sam Pepper, hired a sex worker during a trip to Brisbane, Australia, and livestreamed the encounter. The duo paid USD 500 for the escort's services and hid in a hotel suite while she interacted with another man named Andy. Cameras were set up to broadcast the encounter on the platform, with the escort's consent obtained for filming.
According to the Business Insider report, the situation took an uncomfortable turn when the escort received a message from a friend warning her that two more men were hiding in the apartment. Feeling creepy, she tried to leave, but Andy blocked her path, insisting she had already been paid. The livestream has generated significant backlash from viewers who found it morally objectionable despite regulated prostitution being legal in Queensland, Australia. Gaming influencer Jake Lucky, who shared a screenshot of the livestream, described the woman's discomfort as "unbelievable." US Mass Shooting: Five Dead, Six Injured After Gunman Opens Fire at California's Cook's Corner Bar.
Other creators on Kick have also voiced their disapproval, demanding immediate action from the platform. Kick's cofounder, Ed Craven (Eddie), was observed in the chat during the livestream and appeared to be laughing. The livestream occurred on September 21 but gained widespread attention starting September 24 before being taken down. Following the escort's departure, Pepper and Denino went out on the streets, with some rumors suggesting they were arrested for sexual assault. Australia Shocker: Former Childcare Worker in Gold Coast Charged With 1,623 Sex Abuse Offences Against 91 Children Within Country and Abroad.
However, Denino clarified that the police had shown up because they were "swatted" by viewers, and the police deemed the content legal because the duo had already informed the sex worker about the stream. Kick, in response to the controversy, stated it was reevaluating its content guidelines and enforcement policies to prioritise community and public safety over "content." This incident has reignited discussions about ethical boundaries in online content creation and the responsibility of platforms in moderating such content. Both Denino and Pepper have had controversial pasts in the digital entertainment industry.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2023 09:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).