Banned Kick streamer Johnny Somali accuses the platform of favoritism as peers return to the site.
Banned Kick streamer Johnny Somali has publicly criticized the platform after fellow content creators Vitaly Zdorovetskiy and Jack Doherty were reinstated, while he continues to face an indefinite suspension. Somali, who has been banned from Kick since April 2024, called the decision unfair and accused the platform of showing favoritism.
Background Of The Bans
Johnny Somali was permanently banned following his arrest in Japan earlier in 2024. His case, though controversial, stemmed from comments flagged as hate speech rather than physical altercations or theft. In contrast, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faced a ban in 2025 after being arrested in the Philippines for allegedly harassing locals, stealing, making unwanted advances toward a security guard, and attempting to grab a weapon. Jack Doherty was also suspended after a viral street fight, just weeks after a three-month ban for a car accident while distracted by his phone.
Despite the severity of these incidents, both Vitaly and Doherty have now been allowed back on Kick. Vitaly returned on January 20, following a 290-day prison term and deportation to Russia. Doherty’s ban was lifted around the same time, sparking Somali’s outrage.
Somali’s Response
On X, Somali demanded his reinstatement, emphasizing that he has learned from past mistakes. “Jack Doherty and Vitaly both unbanned from Kick… Unban Johnny Somali. It’s been 2 years,” he wrote. Somali asserted that he has never engaged in theft, assault, or property damage and argued that his ban resulted from a single controversial joke. “People should be allowed to move on and prove they’ve changed,” he added.
The streamer also claimed that Kick’s unbanning decisions are influenced by personal connections within the platform. “It is unfair to pick and choose favorites or those who have connections to the staff or ex-staff,” Somali said.
Ongoing Legal Troubles
Somali’s ban coincided with a turbulent period in Israel, during which he was arrested for allegedly harassing a female officer. His ongoing trial in South Korea includes charges related to obstructing business and creating deepfake content, which could carry several years of imprisonment if convicted.
Meanwhile, Doherty faces charges in Florida for drug possession and resisting arrest, while Vitaly has described his time in Philippine detention as grueling, with extreme heat and overcrowded conditions. The reasoning behind Kick’s selective reinstatements remains unclear, as the platform has not publicly addressed the decisions.
The Debate Over Platform Policies
The situation has reignited discussion about transparency and consistency in moderation on streaming platforms. Somali’s supporters argue that indefinite bans without a clear path for reinstatement can appear arbitrary, particularly when other creators with serious legal histories are allowed back.
As the drama unfolds, the Kick community continues to watch closely, questioning how the platform determines which streamers deserve a second chance.
What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments!