“Threatened To Choke A White B****, I Respect That” – Just Before His Trial, Johnny Somali Spirals Out Of Control Again

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On Fridays, I eagerly anticipate: the long-awaited trial of real-life streamer Johnny Somali is about to unfold in South Korea. Contrary to what one might expect, he’s not keeping a low profile or aiming for tranquility. Instead, he seems determined to stir things up even more, acting out more recklessly than ever these past days.

The Charges Against Somali

Ever since Somali arrived in South Korea a couple of months back, he’s found himself in hot water due to numerous offenses. These range from creating a deepfake video featuring a popular South Korean influencer, disturbing children at an amusement park, and making threats to spread HIV among as many South Korean women as possible. Now, he faces court proceedings for these serious charges.

In the wake of a significant controversy surrounding deepfake videos that shook the nation and resulted in the breakup of a vast blackmail network consisting of thousands, South Korea has intensified its attention and efforts on addressing these types of crimes, with both society and the justice system taking a firm stance.

Despite Somali’s actions appearing milder when compared to others, they are still being evaluated using the same set of rules – particularly because he disseminated numerous deepfake videos involving different influencers.

His actions involving the inappropriate sexualization of children are likewise subject to a particular legal ruling, carrying the possibility of his incarceration in a correctional facility.

In simpler terms, if someone in South Korea transmits HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or even poses a risk of spreading it to another person, they could face legal consequences. This means that the statements made by Somali about such an incident could potentially lead to legal action.

Beyond these allegations, he is additionally dealing with multiple minor offenses, including causing public unrest, drug use, and harassment. Specialists predict that if convicted on all charges, Somali may receive a sentence of up to 31 years in a South Korean penitentiary and potentially serve time in a labor camp.

Somali Is Only Making Things Worse

Instead of seeming to prepare for a trial or trying to show regret in the hope of leniency, it looks like Somali is becoming more determined.

For quite some time now, nearly every day, he’s been live-streaming for extended periods, frequently while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.

In these broadcasts, he made intimidating statements towards several influencers and live-streamers, suggesting global gang ties that could potentially be used against them. He also called upon South Koreans to seek him out and expressed approval for American football player Shannon Sharpe, who had threatened to choke a woman accusing him of sexual misconduct.

In a conversation, Somali expressed, “He vowed to strangle a white woman – I admire that.” Further, he shared his appreciation for “white women.

It’s not entirely certain what Somali intends by this behavior, but it appears more like a desperate response in a situation that has become utterly bleak.

Originally, he had expressed a wish to be sent back to the U.S. to avoid being prosecuted and even reached out directly to President Trump, asking him to “bring him home.” Additionally, he contemplated using racial profiling or accusing the judge of racism as strategies that had helped him evade legal issues in China in the past.

A Lengthy Trial Ahead

I can’t help but express my concern that Somali might not come out of this unharmed. With the case gaining worldwide attention, particularly in South Korea, it seems improbable that it will be overlooked. The accumulated charges against him are grave and numerous, and as far as I know, his legal representation has been largely inactive for years.

Even though the trial proper kicks off on Friday, no verdict will be handed down immediately. The initial hearing primarily serves to establish what charges are to be pursued, which pieces of evidence can be admitted, and who among the witnesses will testify. However, this preliminary session paves the way for a lengthy legal process that might eventually lead to Johnny Somali receiving a sentence of up to 31 years in prison.

Is it fair to consider this situation as acceptable? Should Somali face a lengthy imprisonment term in South Korea, or would it be more appropriate to send him back to the United States instead?

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2025-05-15 21:10