Creators facing jail time overseas as social media stunts spark backlash

Creators are taking their content across borders, but in some cases, they're also crossing the line

More influencers are finding out that pushing boundaries in foreign countries can lead to very real consequences

Russian-born YouTuber Vitaly is facing up to 18 months in a Philippine prison after live-streaming a prank that landed him behind bars

Vitale first gained fame for over-the-top stunts like climbing the Hollywood sign in 2016 and running onto the court during Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals

A Filipino media outlet reports the 33-year-old was initially detained for harassing security guards

Authorities considered sending him to either Russia or the U.S. where he holds residency, but neither would take him

The Philippine news agency reports he will face trial this week, and the interior chief assured in a press conference he would receive no special treatment

Meanwhile, another creator facing trouble abroad is Johnny Somali. He has been indicted on several charges in South Korea, according to multiple local media outlets

Everybody turn up, guys. It's the South Korea party. Somali is known for chaotic and

offensive live streams, often promoting himself as quote the most influential and controversial global in real life streamer One charge he faces stems from dancing inappropriately on South Korea Statue of Peace a memorial honoring victims of sexual slavery during World War II

He's also been accused of disrupting businesses, including scenes at a 7-Eleven convenience store while live streaming

I did not drink it, you stupid d***. F*** you. The backlash wasn't just online

He's been physically attacked multiple times while abroad, including one incident where a former South Korean Special Forces soldier punched him on the street and posted the video to Instagram

That man was later fined. A South Korean lawyer commented on the case, saying Somali's apology may have been strategic

as courts there sometimes show leniency to foreigners who claim they didn't know local laws

Somali has not been jailed yet, but he's currently banned from leaving that country

Most of his social media accounts have been deleted, but he's still active on other platforms

Just last month, he posted a video in a black hooded outfit resembling a Ku Klux Klan costume

claiming he was unfairly targeted and comparing himself to controversial figures like Ye, Diddy, Bill Cosby

and R. Kelly. With straight arrow news, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more