Taiwan Influencer Hosts 'Cash Giveaway' Event
3,000 People Gather... Fights Break Out Everywhere
"Sorry for the Concern... Didn't Expect So Many People"
A Taiwanese influencer was sent to the prosecutors after causing a commotion where thousands of people gathered and fought over cash he threw into the crowd.
According to local media including Taiwan News, the influencer 'Mr. R', who has 160,000 followers, announced on the evening of the 10th that he would throw several 1,000 New Taiwan Dollar (about 42,300 KRW) bills in Xinyi District, Taipei City. He added, "If you receive money, take a photo and tag me on (SNS)." It appears to have been a kind of event to further promote his name.
The news quickly spread online, and about 3,000 people gathered at the scene that day. Videos posted on social media show Mr. R spraying bills with a 'money gun' as people reached their hands into the air to grab the money. However, during this process, people tangled and pushed each other, causing falls and trampling in a dizzying situation.
Eventually, police who responded to the report dispersed the crowd to maintain order under Taiwan's Administrative Enforcement Act. Mr. R apologized during a police investigation the next morning, saying, "There was no ill intent. I am sorry for causing concern." He also said, "I did not expect so many people to come." Mr. R claimed to have thrown 100,000 New Taiwan Dollars (about 4.22 million KRW) at the scene. However, regarding counterfeit bills found at the scene, he said another influencer was responsible and that he only threw real bills.
Taiwan police sent Mr. R to the prosecutors on charges of causing public danger by failing to report the event in advance and not taking safety measures. Additional investigations are underway regarding the counterfeit bills.
Netizens responded with comments such as, "This is a dangerous act. People could have been injured or killed because of the money," "Stop throwing cash altogether," and "There should be a thorough investigation into the counterfeit bills as well."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
