Livestreamer iShowSpeed Cut Short His Livestream in USS; Went to Causeway Point Instead

Even if you’re a hit YouTube streamer who’s just reached over 30 million subscribers, there are problems, problems everywhere. 

Darren Watkins Jr., also known by his streamer handle, iShowSpeed, arrived yesterday (22 September) for the Singapore leg of his Southeast Asian Tour. So far, his attention-seeking antics have been stirring up both controversy and fans. 

Here’s what happened.

Livestreamer iShowSpeed Cut Short His Livestream in USS; Went to Causeway Point At Night

As soon as he touched down around 2 pm, the 19-year-old social media sensation started a live stream, donning a blue Singapore football jersey while cruising around the island with his trusty cameraman and crew.  

@5xclover #iShowSpeed Explained What Happened In #USS #Singapore 😶‍🌫️ • #Speed #IRL #LiveStream ♬ original sound – 5Xclover

Confessing online that he doesn’t “know much about Singapore,” Speed wasted no time asking for suggestions from fans and heading straight into exploring the country.

His first pitstop?

Universal Studios Singapore—Which some might argue is the least Singaporean place in Singapore, but I’m guessing he must have felt a bit homesick.

After shaking hands, snapping selfies with a mob of fans, and even getting up close with our favourite yellow Minions, things went slightly downhill.  

Right after he entered one of the park’s attractions, Speed was told by staff that livestreaming on the attractions wasn’t allowed.

@speedclipsseweyIShowSpeed kicked out??🇸🇬 Speed Jianhao Tan♬ original sound – ishowspeed

And rightfully so—nobody wants to be brained by a flying Insta360 camera. 

Unfortunately for his 100,000+ live viewers, the feed promptly cut to black, and the video was taken down. Cue frustrated comments like “L stream” and “Signalpoor,” but honestly, Singapore is the land of permits and extra rules. Are any of us surprised at this?

That was the only official livestream he did yesterday.

But Speed wasn’t done with Singapore. Probably prompted by one fan’s suggestion to hit up the Pasar Malam at Woodlands, he dropped by the area and was even seen at Causeway Point, flanked by a mob of teenage boys, although it was not part of his stream.

He also turned up at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix (what else could we expect from someone with the word ‘speed’ in their name?), where he joined the Stake Sauber team, going behind the scenes in their garage and even enjoying lunch with the team. 

Unfortunately for him, he was also unable to livestream at the F1 race and concert. Honestly, did no one tell him Singapore was the capital of paperwork in SEA? 

Fans, however, were not all thrilled at his presence there. Some F1 enthusiasts took to social media, fuming over how the internet star got such prime treatment and criticising his dangerous, thrill-seeking reputation.

Comments ranged from “Sporting organisations need to stop giving this guy a platform,” to “When we said sauber needs more speed this is not what we meant”. 

Fair Share of Trouble Across Southeast Asia

You can’t expect much from a guy who’s already had his fair share of trouble across Southeast Asia? 

In Thailand, Speed crashed a tuk-tuk into a temple wall, and in Malaysia, he nearly choked on a durian seed. 

If you’re wondering how and where to catch him, just join the Telegram channel and track him while you can. 

And no, no one knows where he is now. He’s not Taylor Swift.