TikTok/povwolfyA social media influencer is facing fierce criticism after handing out 18-inch machetes, cigarettes, and bottles of alcohol to homeless people, with police departments staying tight-lipped as the clips go viral.
Keith Castillo, known as ‘povwolfy,’ posted a Thanksgiving video that amassed more than 18 million views across TikTok and Instagram.
The 29-year-old is seen distributing stainless-steel machetes he bought in bulk for under $5 each, along with bottles of alcohol, to people living on the streets. Several recipients appear excited and even ask for additional blades as Castillo films the encounters.
He insists the stunt is meant to “keep homeless people safe,” but viewers overwhelmingly slammed the idea as reckless. One Instagram user accused him of making vulnerable people “dangerous,” not protecting them.
Influencer plots more dangerous content after machete stunt sparks backlash
Castillo told the New York Post that he has been traveling from city to city since October, filming the giveaways before moving on to avoid backlash. He said he keeps around 30 machetes in his car at all times and plans to bring the stunt to Las Vegas, Los Angeles’ Skid Row, and New York City in January.
“I have like 30 machetes in my car right now,” he said. “Dude, they’re cheap.” He added that he also plans to hand out one-ounce bottles of 66-proof cinnamon whiskey.
When asked about giving alcohol to people who may struggle with addiction, Castillo shrugged off the criticism and said the stunt’s engagement numbers spoke for themselves. “Honestly, I really don’t care bro, it’s good for the clicks and views. Gotta do what we have to do so we eat.”
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He claimed he consulted police before distributing the weapons and was told he wasn’t breaking any laws. But the Austin Police Department, Little Rock Police Department, and New Orleans Police Department have not commented publicly on the incidents. The NYPD also declined to comment on his upcoming New York visit.
Law-enforcement experts aren’t impressed. Former NYPD Sgt. and John Jay College Criminal Justice professor Joseph Giacalone called the stunt a recipe for disaster, pointing out that while a machete is usually legal to possess, mixing weapons and alcohol could be a huge problem.
“That sounds like a cocktail for disaster — alcohol and machetes. Could we get any dumber?” the retired NYPD Sgt said.
Police across the country have been cracking down on influencers whose stunts spill into criminal behavior.
Streamer Jack Dohery is facing up to seven years in prison after allegedly blocking traffic to film content and resisting arrest. Officers said they also found a controlled substance on him during the incident.
Earlier this year, TikTok prankster Heston James was hit with felony charges in Arizona after months of disruptive stunts that prosecutors say could land him behind bars for nine years.
And in New York, a DoorDash driver who went viral for filming a customer lying exposed on his couch was arrested and charged with a felony in early November.