Screenshot from Douyin
AsianFin -- During a recent livestream in Chengdu, a southwestern Chinese city, American popular YouTuber IShowSpeed encountered a disturbing incident involving a female fan. The woman cosplayer approached him and made offensive remarks, including self-identifying as a "racist" and using derogatory language.
The cosplayer reportedly yelled "I am a racist. I am a 'Niger' killer. I hate 'Niger.' I like your girlfriend because she's white people."
IShowSpeed appeared visibly shocked and attempted to defuse the situation, suggesting that she might not understand the implications of her words. However, the woman continued her offensive comments, prompting the streamer to leave the scene quickly.
Netizens are bashing the cosplay and anime circles, with many people saying that the discrimination against anime fans is not without reason. Although the cosplayer later posted on social media claiming that she was just joking at the time, netizens are not accepting her explanation.
This is not the first time IShowSpeed has faced racially charged interactions during his streams. In August 2023, during a livestream, he confronted a fan who answered his call with racial slurs and hate speech. The individual used deeply offensive language, leading IShowSpeed to express his frustration and disappointment with the behavior.
In December 2022, during a World Cup livestream in Qatar, he faced backlash for addressing a Chinese fan with the Japanese greeting "konnichiwa," despite the fan clarifying his Chinese nationality. IShowSpeed later apologized, stating he believed the fan was Japanese and did not intend any offense.
In August 2023, during another livestream, IShowSpeed confronted a caller who hurled racial slurs at him. The caller used deeply offensive language, leaving IShowSpeed visibly upset and prompting him to express frustration over such behavior.
IShowSpeed is making waves with his highly publicized trip to China. The 20-year-old streamer arrived on March 24, kicking off a journey that has drawn massive global attention. Chinese experts suggest this phenomenon reflects a broader trend of digital influencers serving as cultural bridges, offering international audiences an alternative lens to understand a different China.
With over 37 million YouTube subscribers, IShowSpeed is known for his high-energy antics and dramatic flair. Despite past controversies, his China tour is providing millions worldwide with an unfiltered, vibrant glimpse into the country's modernity, culture, and everyday life.
IShowSpeed began his journey in Shanghai, China's bustling financial hub, where he livestreamed for over six hours on March 24. He marveled at the city's towering skyline and lively streets while exploring iconic landmarks with a local guide. One of the highlights of his visit was a high-speed ride in the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, a newly launched Chinese electric vehicle boasting 1,526 horsepower. "This car is faster than my Huracán? Faster than my Lamborghini? But it's electric!" he exclaimed in disbelief, according to media reports.
The streamer also played table tennis with Chinese singer and actor Jackson Wang in Shanghai. After losing the match, he jokingly agreed to let Wang use his Miami mansion for a day, as reported by the X account Speedy HQ.
His culinary adventures took him from Chinese KFC to traditional dumplings and ramen. He was particularly mesmerized by the "Bian Lian" (face-changing) performance, a hallmark of Sichuan opera, expressing amazement at the theatrical magic.
