IShowSpeed Faces YouTube Ban After Daredevil Stunt Leaves Fans Speculating.
Popular YouTuber IShowSpeed has been temporarily banned from the platform after a livestream featuring a daring stunt where he jumped over two supercars, a Lamborghini and a McLaren, while they were moving towards him. This incident has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with fans and other internet personalities weighing in on the ban.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., confirmed the ban in a heartfelt message to his followers. “Hey guys, if y’all are watching this right now, I’m banned on YouTube on my main channel. I cannot stream or do anything, guys. I just wanted to let y’all know. I love y’all, bro,” he said. This announcement came shortly after a screenshot showing an active Community Guidelines strike on his channel was shared by his editor on X (formerly Twitter).
The stunt in question, which took place last week, saw IShowSpeed jumping over two high-speed sports cars. Before the jump, he cautioned his audience, “Chat, do not try this at home y’all. I am a professional at this, I trained for this, and I do this a lot. So everybody relax.” Following the successful execution of the stunt, he triumphantly declared, “Let me tell them something real quick. Don’t ever doubt me, bro. I don’t think s–t over here. Two f—-g cars in a row.”
Despite his warnings, many social media users believe the lack of a visible disclaimer on the screen contributed to the ban. “Ahhhh they’re going after him for ‘dangerous acts’ probably. He indirectly promoted a dangerous activity, jumping over moving vehicles. I feel bad for Speed. He don’t deserve the ban,” one user commented. Another added, “YouTube needs to chill, he should have had put a warning don’t do at home something like that.”
Notable internet personality Andrew Tate also chimed in, saying, “This, although dangerous and we don’t want people replicating, was actually pretty cool.”
In a cryptic post on X made on August 6, 2024, from his alternate account (@ronaldobetter07), IShowSpeed hinted at his next steps, writing, “Recharging………… omm ull see.” This post has led to widespread speculation among his fans. Some believe he might switch to Twitch temporarily to circumvent the ban, while others offered advice on how he could spend his time away from YouTube. One user suggested, “Twitch incoming,” while another expressed anticipation for his return, “Speed comeback stream gonna hit hard asf.”
IShowSpeed’s attempt to jump over his Lamborghini Huracan, decorated with a custom Cristiano Ronaldo-themed livery, and a McLaren 720s was intended to prove the authenticity of a similar stunt he had previously posted on Instagram. This recent jump, executed live on YouTube, was a response to accusations that his earlier attempt was faked using CGI.
The reaction to his stunt and subsequent ban has been mixed. Some fans are supportive and excited for his return, while others are critical of YouTube’s decision, arguing that the ban was unnecessary given the disclaimers he issued during the livestream.
This is not the first time IShowSpeed has faced controversy. His daredevil antics and bold personality have often placed him at the center of discussions about the responsibilities of content creators, especially those with young and impressionable audiences. As he navigates this latest setback, his fans eagerly await his next move, hoping for a swift and triumphant return to streaming.