Mike Smalls Jr. faces backlash after jumping into Florida River during Hurricane Milton for $70k

Mike Smalls Jr., a popular content creator, is addressing criticism after filming himself jumping into a flooded river in Tampa during Hurricane Milton. The live streamer performed the dangerous stunt to win a $70,000 prize offered by fellow streamer Adin Ross, who challenged others to live stream during the deadly hurricane.

The footage, streamed on the platform Kick, showed Smalls braving the storm with an umbrella and an air mattress, vowing to jump into the rising river if he reached 100,000 viewers. After hitting his goal, Smalls leaped into the water, only to quickly realize he was in over his head. He admitted to BBC that he doesn’t know how to swim and had to cling to a tree as the situation spiraled out of control.

Despite the danger and public outrage, Smalls expressed no regrets. "If the price is right, I’d do it again," he told the outlet, acknowledging that his actions put not only his life at risk but also those of potential rescuers. The live stream, which remains available on Kick in two parts, has ignited debate about the risks content creators take to entertain their audiences.

The Tampa Police Department issued a warning about the hazards of ignoring evacuation orders, highlighting how such reckless behavior can divert critical resources from more urgent rescue operations. "When individuals disregard these warnings, they not only jeopardize their own safety but also create additional challenges for first responders," the department said in a statement.

Smalls, who has made livestreaming his full-time job, previously filmed a similar stunt during Hurricane Helene. He streamed for over five hours as he dragged a tent through stormy conditions, which he said was done to "entertain the people."

Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida as a Category 3 storm, has caused widespread destruction. At least 23 people have died, and millions remain without power. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of the hurricane, and authorities continue to warn residents about the dangers of taking unnecessary risks during such disasters.

Despite the backlash, Smalls stands by his decisions, noting that edgy, risky content is what audiences enjoy. "From a content creator standpoint, people like to see kind of edgy things," he said. However, he added that anyone considering similar stunts should do so at their own risk.

"I don’t want to put anyone else's life at risk," Smalls remarked, advising potential rescuers, "Don’t save me."

Kick, the platform that hosted the stream, stated that while they prioritize creator freedom, any content that violates their Terms of Service or is illegal will result in a ban or suspension.

As Hurricane Milton's aftermath continues to unfold, authorities are urging the public to prioritize safety and avoid dangerous behaviors during such catastrophic events.