Kai Cenat Fortnite Skin gets criticized online with comments like “homophobic” and “transphobic”

Twitch streamer Kai Cenat's entry to Fortnite’s Icon Series elite roster is facing a lot of backlash. While the collaboration does signal a major milestone for the streamer, it seems critical comments connecting to his past are overshadowing his success.

Accusations flooding over social media platforms are now labelling Cenat as homophobic and transphobic, casting a shadow over the upcoming release.Here is all you need to know about the current situation impacting the public image of influencers and what is leading to it.

Kai Cenat Fortnite Skin is facing social media backlash

News about Kai Cenat joining the Fortnite Icon Series elite roster, like a few other content creators and celebrities, has triggered a social media backlash Fortnite on X.

Users are openly questioning this decision, trying to directly link the entire Kai Cenat criticism to the character of the streamer. Comments ranged from some dismissive remarks to blunt accusations, with some arguing the decision would send a wrong message.

The entire Twitch streamer backlash stems from past incidents where the streamer got accused of making some homophobic remarks. Critics have flooded the social media accounts, particularly X, arguing that the inclusion must be reserved for influential figures. The user made comment read, “KAI CENAT DOESNT DESERVE AN ICON SKIN!” “KAI CENAT IS HOMOPHOBIC” “WHY WONT YOU DONATE TO CHARITY OR BUILD THE SCHOOL??”

Some users directly referenced the clip from 2024 where Cenat appeared to be uncomfortable with his two male friends sitting close up.

While some are defending Cenat, claiming the reaction to be misinterpreted, others are calling out the influence he has over the young audience.

Some even said that he should “go back to Tumblr.”

A user even went ahead to bluntly claim, “No one takes them seriously anymore, they are just grasping at the power they used to have.”

The entire debate seems to be intensified as Fortnite fans are now questioning whether or not Epic Games must associate with the creators who are at the center of such controversies.

Why is Kai Cenat Fortnite Skin facing social media backlash?

The entire scrutiny and backlash seem to be arising from some past controversies. In a specific incident from November 2024, during Cenat’s Mafiathon 2 subathon stream, Cenat and Tylil James expressed some discomfort over stream member Ray sitting on the lap of RaKai (16-year-old) inside the vehicle. Cenat, as per reports, told Ray to chill and “stop doing that.”Before this incident, Cenat was also criticized after he allegedly misgendered the fellow streamer Kris Tyson. It added to the claims of insensitivity towards LGBTQ+ issues.While supporters argue that the streamer's past actions were jokes/misunderstandings, detractors hold on to the belief that his platform needs influencer accountability. With the diverse player base of Fortnite, the inclusion of a polarizing figure has now sparked some heated discussion on responsibility and representation within gaming collaborations.Despite the entire backlash, Kai Cenat's Fortnite Icon Series skin is expected to make its debut. Official announcements about dates and more are expected soon.