JohnnySomali/Kick
- A controversial streamer is facing criminal charges in Japan.
- He appeared in court after playing loud music at a restaurant in Osaka.
- Prosecutors demanded he pay a fine, and he has promised to not film any more videos.
A controversial streamer is facing criminal charges in Japan after causing a scene in a restaurant, with prosecutors demanding he pay a fine.
Ismael Ramsey Khalid, known better by his alias Johnny Somali, appeared at Osaka District Court on Tuesday, The Japan Times reported, where he was accused of loudly playing music in a restaurant and bothering other customers while streaming on Kick.
Prosecutors accused him of obstructing the business of the restaurant, and that he did so for attention, according to the outlet. They also told the court there was "no room for leniency."
In response, Khalid, who is 24, expressed regret when a one-minute clip of his video played in the court.
"I am sorry," he said, per The Japan times. "I promise I will never take videos again."
He denied playing the music on purpose, saying his phone blasted it by automatically.
Prosecutors asked for his punishment to be a ¥200,000 fine ($1,400), and the trial was concluded, per The Japan times.
"I'm embarrassed. I apologize to everyone I've caused trouble," Khalis said in his final statement, according to Sankei News. "I will no longer broadcast videos. I want to return to his home country and continue my studies, and be a role model."
Khalid has now been arrested in Japan twice. He broke into a construction site in August and was followed by local police, Dexerto reported. He then reportedly yelled "Fukushima" at workers. He was arrested on September 21 while streaming — the clip is still available to view on his Kick account. He was charged with trespassing, but the charges were dropped, according to SCMP.
This is not the first time an influencer has caused a nuisance in Japan. In October, YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou was criticized for filming himself riding on Japan's public transportation system without paying.