Police silent on influencer’s machete and alcohol giveaways to homeless people in viral videos

A social media influencer is facing heavy criticism after posting videos in which he hands out machetes, bottles of alcohol and cigarettes to homeless people, while police departments have not publicly addressed the incidents.

Keith Castillo, known online as “povwolfy,” shared a Thanksgiving video that gained more than 18 million views across TikTok and Instagram.

The 29-year-old filmed himself distributing stainless-steel machetes that he purchased in bulk for under $5 each. Several recipients appeared enthusiastic and some asked for extra blades as Castillo recorded the exchanges.

He has claimed the stunt is intended to “keep homeless people safe,” though viewers responding online have described the idea as irresponsible. One Instagram user alleged that the stunt made vulnerable individuals “dangerous,” rather than protected.

Castillo told the New York Post that he has been travelling between cities since October, filming the giveaways before moving on. He said he keeps around 30 machetes in his car and plans to continue the stunt in Las Vegas, Los Angeles’ Skid Row and New York City in January. He also stated he intends to hand out one-ounce bottles of 66-proof cinnamon whiskey.

When asked about concerns over offering alcohol to people who may struggle with addiction, Castillo said engagement numbers were his focus. “Honestly, I really don’t care bro, it’s good for the clicks and views. Gotta do what we have to do so we eat,” he said.

Castillo claimed he consulted police beforehand and was told he was not breaking any laws. However, the Austin Police Department, Little Rock Police Department and New Orleans Police Department have not commented, and the NYPD declined to discuss his planned New York visit.

Former NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone, now a professor of criminal justice at John Jay College, described the mixture of alcohol and machetes as “a cocktail for disaster.”

Recent months have seen several influencers face legal consequences for stunts that have crossed into alleged criminal behaviour, including streamer Jack Doherty, TikTok prankster Heston James and a DoorDash driver charged in New York.