Influencer sparks outrage after handing out machetes and alcohol to homeless people

An influencer’s stunt handing out cheap machetes and alcohol to homeless people has sparked concern

A self-described aspiring influencer has drawn widespread criticism after posting videos in which he distributes large machetes and alcohol to homeless individuals in multiple U.S. cities. The clips, posted on Thanksgiving and earlier in November, have amassed millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, according to the New York Post.

NEW: “Influencer” hands out 18-inch machetes and alcohol to homeless people in Austin and New Orleans

Keith Castillo — known online as “povwolfy” — posted the video on Thanksgiving

The caption read, “Keeping the homeless in the streets.”

He is now heading to New York pic.twitter.com/DsetrscSEE

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) November 30, 2025

The creator, 29-year-old Keith Castillo, who uses the handle “povwolfy,” was seen offering 18-inch stainless-steel machetes—purchased in bulk for under $5 each—as well as bottles of alcohol to people living on the streets of Austin, New Orleans, and Little Rock. In the videos, several recipients appear enthusiastic, with some asking for additional blades.

Castillo insisted to the Post that his actions were meant to “keep homeless people safe,” though many online commenters accused him of endangering vulnerable individuals. One Instagram user criticized the stunt, writing that his actions were making people “dangerous,” not protecting them.

The influencer said he has been traveling through various cities since October, recording content before moving on to avoid any potential backlash. Castillo told the Post he currently has about 30 machetes in his car and plans to expand his stunt to Las Vegas, Los Angeles’ Skid Row, and New York City, where he expects to arrive in January.

Despite concerns from critics and law enforcement experts, Castillo claimed he consulted police before distributing the weapons and was told he was not breaking any laws. He also dismissed concerns about handing alcohol to people who may struggle with addiction, saying the stunt’s popularity online justified the approach.

Retired NYPD Sgt. and John Jay College professor Joseph Giacalone condemned the behavior, calling the combination of weapons and alcohol “a cocktail for disaster,” though he noted that possessing a machete is not illegal by itself.

Castillo’s videos also include promotional captions for the betting company Stake.