Adin Ross' $70k Hurricane Milton Challenge Leads to Arrest in October 2024

On October 9, 2024, in the United States, an 18-year-old streamer known as Shaun Sharkey, or Shoovy, was arrested after breaking into an apartment building while participating in a survival challenge associated with Hurricane Milton. Sharkey claimed he was entering a friend's condo, but he was caught on a live stream using a screwdriver to gain access. The police intervened, leading to his arrest for burglary and resisting an officer, with a bond set at $1,000 for the latter charge. His Kick streaming channel was taken down shortly after the incident. The challenge, launched by popular streamer Adin Ross, promised a substantial prize of $70,000. However, Ross faced significant backlash following the arrest, as many criticized the challenge's implications and the risks it posed to participants. In response to the uproar, Ross clarified on social media that the prize was intended for two specific streamers and urged others to prioritize their safety during the hurricane. The situation escalated as another streamer, Mike Smalls Jr., was live streaming outside during the hurricane and reacted to Ross's comments, which indicated that no one would be compensated for participating in the challenge. This further fueled the controversy surrounding the event. The incident raises questions about the responsibilities of content creators in ensuring the safety of their followers and the potential consequences of incentivizing dangerous behavior for entertainment purposes.