What was supposed to be a career-building opportunity for aspiring content creator Rayshawn Smith turned into an unexpected arrest after he attended the gathering surrounding Kai Cenat's postponed 'Streamer University' event in Atlanta. Smith, who traveled from Savannah in hopes of connecting with fellow creators and applying for the program, said the atmosphere was initially positive as influencers, streamers and aspiring social media personalities gathered in Atlanta's Summerhill neighborhood.
Networking and Content Creation
According to Smith, attendees spent time networking, creating content and meeting new people before police began dispersing the growing crowd. The aspiring streamer claims his interaction with officers escalated after he was ordered to remove his face mask.
Escalation with Police
Speaking to Atlanta News First, Smith said he tried to explain that the mask was tied behind his head and needed to be untied before he could remove it. 'He came up to me and said take your mask off, take your mask off, take your mask off,' Smith recalled. 'I was saying, Hey, it's tied up in the back. I got to untie it. He didn't give me a chance to, just arrest me right there on the spot.'
Smith said he was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police vehicle before receiving a citation for a mask violation. Despite the experience, he said he understands why police were attempting to maintain order amid the large crowds.
Understanding Law Enforcement
'I found it crazy that I got arrested just for wearing the mask,' Smith said, adding that he could respect officers' concerns about crime in the area. The arrest came as dozens of creators flocked to Atlanta hoping to participate in Cenat's highly anticipated 'Streamer University' auditions. The event was later postponed after venue complications and warnings from authorities discouraged attendees from gathering at the planned location.
Remaining Optimistic
While many left disappointed by the cancellation, Smith says he remains optimistic. Rather than dwelling on the arrest, he believes the unexpected attention could ultimately help him gain visibility online and grow his platform. 'The event was fun in the day,' he said. 'I do wish certain people could stop making it chaotic.'
For Smith, the trip may not have led to admission into Streamer University, but it delivered something few attendees expected: a viral story of his own.
