Controversial YouTuber Sneako Assaulted During NYC Livestream

The online personality was sucker punched and knocked to the ground while broadcasting in Manhattan.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:52pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked smartphone screen reflecting the faint outline of a person's face, shot with a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violent assault on a controversial YouTuber during a live broadcast.The violent attack on a polarizing online personality raises concerns about the real-world consequences of digital controversies.NYC Today

Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy, better known as the controversial YouTuber Sneako, was attacked while livestreaming in New York City on Tuesday evening. Video shows Sneako walking down the street when another man approached him and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Sneako suffered minor injuries but said he was 'fine' and that the incident had been 'handled'.

Why it matters

Sneako is a polarizing online figure who has faced criticism and bans from major platforms like YouTube and Twitch for violating codes of conduct. This assault during a public livestream raises concerns about the safety of content creators and the potential for real-world violence stemming from online controversies.

The details

The incident occurred around 5:30 pm on Lafayette Street near East 4th Street in Manhattan. Video shows the suspect, wearing a 'Dr. Pepper' t-shirt, approaching Sneako as he looked at his phone and then punching him in the face, knocking him to the ground. The rest of the encounter was not captured on video. Sneako reported to police that he had also been pepper-sprayed, though this was not visible in the footage.

  • The assault took place around 5:30 pm on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Sneako posted on social media shortly after saying he was 'fine' and that the incident had been 'handled'.

The players

Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy

Also known as the controversial YouTuber 'Sneako', he was the victim of the assault.

Unidentified Suspect

The man in a 'Dr. Pepper' t-shirt who approached and punched Sneako during the livestream.

NYPD

The New York City Police Department is investigating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“I'm fine, we got it handled.”

— Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy, YouTuber

What’s next

The NYPD is continuing its investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect. Sneako has not indicated if he plans to press charges.

The takeaway

This assault on a controversial online personality during a public livestream highlights the potential dangers faced by content creators, as well as the ongoing challenges of addressing online toxicity and its real-world consequences.