“Why Are You Gay?” Prank Backfires as NYC Subway Commuter Smacks UK Streamer’s Camera in Viral Clip

A prank by UK-based streamer Ed Matthews has sparked widespread debate online after it dramatically backfired on a New York City subway, turning a bid for viral content into a flashpoint over harassment, consent, and street streaming culture.

The incident, captured in a 117-second video shared by popular media account DailyLoud on December 27, 2025, shows Matthews approaching two strangers on a subway train and repeatedly asking them the provocative question, “Why are you gay?” What begins as an attempt at edgy humor quickly escalates when one of the men responds by forcefully smacking Matthews’ camera, abruptly ending the interaction and sending the clip racing across social media timelines.

The video has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from viewers. A significant number of users applauded the commuter’s response, describing it as deserved “street justice” for what they saw as deliberate provocation and verbal harassment. Others, however, criticized the physical reaction, arguing that violence is never justified and warning that confrontations like this can spiral into far more dangerous outcomes, especially in confined public spaces like subway cars.

Matthews, who is known in the UK streaming scene for pushing boundaries with confrontational pranks and shock-based humor, has not reported any injuries, and there have been no confirmed charges or arrests linked to the incident. Still, the clip has reignited long-standing debates around street streaming and prank culture, particularly the ethics of filming unsuspecting members of the public without consent and provoking reactions for entertainment.

Critics argue that questions like “Why are you gay?” are not only intrusive but also carry homophobic undertones, especially when directed at strangers in a diverse city like New York. Advocacy voices online noted that such remarks can feel threatening or demeaning, regardless of the prankster’s intent, and that marginalized communities are often the targets of these so-called “social experiments.”

Supporters of Matthews, on the other hand, framed the moment as an example of how unpredictable public reactions can be, insisting that street content thrives on raw, unscripted encounters. They also pointed out that Matthews has built a following precisely because of his willingness to take risks and provoke uncomfortable conversations, even if they sometimes cross social boundaries.

The episode mirrors earlier controversies frequently discussed on platforms like LivestreamFail, where streamers have faced bans, legal trouble, or public backlash after confrontations with bystanders. In recent years, cities like New York have become hotspots for such content, increasing tensions between creators chasing virality and residents who feel unwillingly pulled into online spectacles.

While the subway prank has added another viral moment to Matthews’ online persona, it has also underscored the real-world risks of unconsented public interactions. As street streaming continues to blur the line between entertainment and harassment, the NYC subway incident stands as a reminder that not everyone is willing to play along—and that the pursuit of clout can come with immediate, and very physical, consequences.

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