YouTube pranksters the NELK Boys are the latest influencers facing fines for flouting coronavirus rules
There’s no stopping an influencer’s need to party. As TikTok star Bryce Hall faces a year in jail for throwing a string of COVID-19 parties in the Hollywood Hills, YouTuber pranksters the NELK Boys are facing similar repercussions after throwing a rager at Illinois State University with their fans.
On September 8, footage surfaced online of a huge party thrown by the NELK Boys and students near the Illinois State University campus, showing a massive crowd of people ignoring coronavirus restrictions.
The ISU president Larry Dietz addressed the party in a press conference, saying: “It really gives me no joy to convey my great disappointment in the actions of those who gathered.” He added that him and the Mayor of Normal (a town in Illinois) were looking into potential sanctions against those involved, including suspensions and a fine of up to $750.
NELK, who have 5.7 million followers on YouTube and 3.1 million followers on TikTok, have previously faced backlash for throwing “brotests” to push California to open its gyms and throwing lavish parties that ignore coronavirus rules. And the party doesn’t show signs of stopping: “Chicago today, Columbus tomorrow, then Washington/Philly and then Jersey! Where our fans at?” they tweeted on September 9.
While it’s still unclear what charges are facing the influencers, the backlash in Illinois might force NELK to take a break from their frat boy ways. Watch this space.
YouTubers known as Nelk boys, after hosting an “open up gyms” protest and partying their way through LA, are now traveling to colleges encouraging students to ignore COVID restrictions to party.
— Taylor Lorenz (@TaylorLorenz) September 10, 2020
Pls watch these videos this is what they’re promoting to their 3.5M young followers pic.twitter.com/sJSLEJpQYS
NELK THROWS MASSIVE PARTY at Illinois State University. The president of the university and mayor are considering sanctions against students who attended, which may be suspension and fine of up to $750.
— Def Noodles (@defnoodles) September 9, 2020
Senior COVID Correspondent COVID says “Love it.”
What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/JFVYNvEHgv